The Gift of Emmanuel
Advent is a time of waiting, of longing, of pregnant anticipation. We look back to Jesus’ first coming and forward to his return. This season doesn’t stop at Christmas, but is to be a starting point that’s deeply personal, reminding us that God didn’t stay away. He came to be with us.
God With Us
God is not some detached and distant deity watching from a cosmic heavenly office. He came to us—God wrapped in flesh. Over 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah declared that his name would be Emmanuel, which means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14).
The Purpose of His Coming
Jesus didn’t just come to observe or offer advice from the sidelines. He became one of us to lead us back to himself. Think about that for a moment. The God who created the universe, the earth, all the plant life growing on it, what swims in the sea, flies in the sky, and humanity made in his image, walking upright with souls designed for eternity, chose to enter it—not as a conquering king but as a baby born into poverty and obscurity. Why? Because he loves us and intentionally give himself to us as God’s greatest gift ever.
John 3:16 tells us that God gave his only Son because of his great love. Jesus came to bridge the gap between us and God—a gap we couldn’t cross on our own.
Have you ever felt the pull to go your own way, thinking you know best? Scripture warns us, “There’s a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). Jeremiah described the human heart as “deceitful above all else and incurable” (Jeremiah 17:9). Left to ourselves, we wander and get lost as the prophet Isaiah put it (Isaiah 53:6).
Jesus came to save us from ourselves. He took the punishment we deserved on himself and by what he accomplished on the cross, offered us God’s free gift of salvation. Apostle Paul reminds us that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus didn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up or figure it all out. Well, truth is we tried that and failed time and time again—to the point where we could not help ourselves get out of the pit we dug. So, he stepped in, willingly giving his life so we could be made right with God. That’s why he came.
Our Response
Advent invites us to reflect on this incredible truth. Jesus came to be with us so we could be with him. The Bible says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). This isn’t about earning anything—it’s about receiving the gift of Emmanuel.
So, as we move through this season, let’s not let it pass us by again. Instead, let’s hit pause. Sit with the truth of God’s love for us. Take a moment to pray and thank him for stepping into our world. If you don’t yet know him personally, let this be the day you say yes.
Jesus came to give us life—abundant, eternal, and anchored in his presence. He is Emmanuel, God with us.
Prayer
Father- thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. We are in awe that you chose to come and dwell among us flawed and messy humans. Help us to embrace the salvation you offer and to live lives that reflect your love. May we always remember that you are with us, guiding and sustaining us. In Jesus' name, amen.
As you go, make disciples who follow Jesus!
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