“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

— Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)

Jesus was born roughly 700 years after the prophet Isaiah prophesied about the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, in a small town called Bethlehem—meaning “House of Bread.” The prophecy recorded in the book of Isaiah was finally fulfilled in the book of Matthew. Not even the smallest detail changed: where, when, and how the birth of Jesus would be orchestrated. We clearly see God’s divine hand as both the prophet long ago and the angel who appeared to Mary revealed the same name—Immanuel.

The name Immanuel means “God with us,” signifying that God chose to dwell among us.

Throughout history, many cultures, religions, and belief systems have followed various practices in their pursuit of a spiritual goal or divine connection. Some individuals inflict pain upon themselves, practice severe self-denial, or endure physical suffering. In certain religions, people alter their appearance, change their clothing, whip themselves with rods, walk on fire, and engage in extreme acts. Their deep desire to commune with the one true God often drives them to such lengths, even to self-harm.

Yet, the message of God being with us in the form of flesh—dwelling among us—is a hard truth for many to accept, because God asks nothing from us except our hearts to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. We grow weary in our physical bodies trying to keep up with practices meant to make us appear righteous and pleasing to God. But the truth is, the Bible declares that our righteousness is like filthy rags, and only the righteousness of Jesus Christ can reconcile us and draw us closer to God.

The birth of Jesus Christ is a free gift given to everyone. Through Him, we are granted access to the throne room of the Father. Through Jesus Christ, we are made one with God. Above all, God is with us—everywhere and anywhere—through Jesus Christ.

Isaiah is one among many prophets who revealed the birth of Jesus Christ through the Virgin Mary. The fact that different prophets, from different places and across different time periods, prophesied the same redemption plan of God through the birth of Jesus Christ is truly mind-blowing.

You and I are part of this redemption plan that God both drafted and fulfilled. Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, is the spiritual food offered to us—to nourish us, strengthen us, and give us eternal life.

Let us celebrate this divine manna, Jesus Christ, who came to dwell among us to redeem, restore, and revive us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for choosing to dwell among us and for making a way for us to be reconciled to You. Help us to rest not in our own efforts, but in the finished work of Christ. Strengthen our faith, renew our hearts, and fill us with gratitude as we celebrate Immanuel—God with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.