Pastor column: Emmanuel is the greatest gift of all

No other story in the Bible speaks with so much clarity about the power and the purpose of God than the Christmas story. The fact that God stepped out of eternity into time is mind-boggling. When we realize the real meaning of Christmas it fills us with great joy. God gave us the greatest gift — His Son, Jesus. Matthew 1 says, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (vs. 23). There are four facts I want to share with you, centered around the truth that Emmanuel has come and He’s with us!

We start with the fact of Emmanuel came in the flesh. This truth is fundamental to everything else. It’s an amazing truth that John wrote, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). How amazing! The Word — Jesus, the Son of God became a human being and made His home with us.

The second fact of Emmanuel is that He came as Redeemer. Because we were unable to save ourselves, He came to bring salvation to us, but at what a cost. Paul has to say, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Can you imagine sharing Jesus with a friend or loved one and them believing and receiving the Gift of Eternal Life? (John 3:16) It would be the best Christmas ever for them.

The third fact of Emmanuel is that He came in all the fullness of God. Colossians 2:9-10 says, “In Him the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily, and you have been filled by Him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” What a gift! We now have God with us in all fullness!

The final fact of Emmanuel is that He came to be with you always. What an incredible gift — the Lord’s continual presence.

God’s Word is sure and does not depend on our feelings but on God being unchangeable. He’s made it wonderfully clear about His being with us. Let me remind you of what the writer of Hebrews said, God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6). Listen to the words of the Lord Jesus Himself, “Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19).

What a gift. The gift of the abiding presence of Jesus — Emmanuel, God with us — this Christmas and beyond. I do hope and pray that you know Emmanuel and that you celebrate His presence in your life.

Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Emmanuel is the greatest gift of all