The thought of God desiring Emmanuel from the very beginning is a profound concept. We typically think of Emmanuel at Christmas time. God is with us in Jesus. But if we pay close attention to the opening pages of Genesis, we see that God’s very nature is to be with us. The image of the intimacy pictured in the Garden with Adam and Eve as he walks in their midst in the cool of the day reveals that his plan has always been to be with us. And even when that communion was broken due to sin, we see the Creator putting into motion his plan to bridge the gulf between himself and humanity.
Whether it was in a burning bush, a pillar of fire or cloud, the tabernacle, or the temple, God was constantly making ways for his people to experience his presence. But it is not until that first Christmas we find the ultimate expression of Emmanuel. In Jesus, God makes himself most fully known so that if we had any doubts what God thinks of us, we would need only look to Christ! In Christ the fullness of God is revealed.
Jesus, therefore, is not just a good teacher or a great man. He is much more even than a prophet. He is the very God of all creation come down to us to restore us to right relationship with the Father. Christmas, then, is God’s rescue mission. And no matter how far you may have wandered off the path, help is on the way!
The message of Christmas is Emmanuel, God with us!