I don’t know about you, but when I think of Christmas, for most of my life, the words, “God with us” always come to the forefront of my mind. Immanuel, as the Bible describes it. And it’s an appropriate description for Christmas. The God of the universe comes to Earth as a baby boy. The one who created it all comes to His creation. What a thought! But where did this phrase originate? How did it get picked up in the New Testament and into the language of the church even now, 2000 years after Jesus was born? If you read the Christmas story of Matthew, you’ll come across Matthew 1:23, where Joseph has a dream and an angel comes to him to explain that the baby Mary has is from God, thus fulfilling the scripture in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, of God with us.
Now, when I was in college, one thing that was stressed to all students was the fact that all verses have a context. Therefore, you can’t just pluck a phrase from the Bible and use it however you want. That's an abuse of God’s word. Unfortunately, that happens more often than it should. It’s important to read where it was written and see what is happening, where it’s happening, and why it’s happening. Do that, and you’ll have a much better understanding of the Scriptures.
So, what is the context of “God with us”? Well, it’s found in Isaiah 7. But before we get to it, we have to see what story is being told. What is happening in Isaiah 7? I’ll save you the work of looking it up and let you know. Judah is getting attacked. The king of Aram and the king of Israel have created an alliance and are marching toward Judah to fight against it. Just a little historical background, after Solomon, David’s son, died in 1 Kings 11, the kingdom of Israel was split in two. Israel was the north, Judah was the south. So Israel and Aram are marching against Judah, and God speaks to the prophet Isaiah assuring him that God will save Judah. When Ahaz, the king of Judah refuses to ask God for a sign, Isaiah utters that famous verse, Isaiah 7:14. God will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call him Immanuel. In the midst of your struggle, God will provide. In the midst of your stress, God will save. In the midst of your trials, God will be with you.
Most, if not all, Christians believe this verse finds its fulfillment in the Christmas story. And they’re right. Matthew doesn’t quote it for no reason. But here’s something interesting. Ask any Jew about this verse, and they’ll point out that it’s fulfilled in Isaiah 8, and they’re right too! You may now be asking how this is possible. Well, let me tell you. The Hebrew word used for virgin is “alma”. It can also be translated as simply “young woman”. In Isaiah 8, Isaiah and his wife have a son. God tells them to name the son Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. I’ll let you look up what that means. But it’s ultimately a sign from God that He will save His people. And so He does, protecting Judah from Aram and Israel.
So fast forward about 600 years to the New Testament. Joseph has this dream where he is told to name his son Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew then inserts the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, because he sees the connection here. Yes, it’s different in some ways. Israel isn’t at war against anyone. Their existence isn’t threatened at this time. But they and the world are so lost in their pursuit of God. So, as God saved Israel in the time of Isaiah, God again saves not only Israel but the whole world, this time by sending His son down to offer salvation to all mankind.
Let’s bring this full circle to today. I don’t know what trouble you are going through. I know many families are struggling with different things. This time of year can be hard on families who have lost loved ones in the past year. It can be hard financially at times to give your kids what they want for Christmas, or to put together that fantastic Christmas dinner you always see in the movies. Between planning for family events and shopping and keeping up with your own work schedule or routine, it can be a lot.
I’m here to hopefully inject some hope and peace into the madness by simply reminding you of these 3 words that have brought hope to so many over the centuries. Even in the craziness of life, when it feels like you can’t take any more, God is with you. He showed that to Isaiah and King Ahaz in their day. He showed it again to Mary and Joseph in their day. And He wants to show you in your day. So this Christmas, I hope you can find peace and rest in the promise of Isaiah 7:14. Immanuel. God with us. Merry Christmas
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. -Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
