In Matthew 1:22-23, the angel came to Joseph before Jesus was born and told him that Mary would be having a baby. The angel says,

“All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

The name Immanuel brings together all of what Jesus was and what he is, “God with us.” He was with them as man on earth, and is with us now. As Jesus says in Matthew 28:20, “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

Dear Lord, What a joy it is to know that your are with us. In our successes, sorrows, and struggles; To comfort, protect, heal, and save us eternally. Joy to the World. In His name we pray. Amen.