Most are familiar with the popular Christmas carol, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” but do you know the backstory to this title?
It is most familiar in Jesus’ birth narrative, a message to Joseph from an angel:
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” (which means, God with us).
Matthew 1:21-23
Immanuel 700 years before Jesus
Matthew shows how the birth of Jesus fulfills a prophecy from Isaiah that had already been fulfilled once. About 700 years earlier, the king of Judah, Ahaz, fears they will be destroyed by their northern neighbors (see Isaiah 7:1, 6-7). God gives Ahaz and his generation a sign to show that he will be faithful to the covenant he had given to David. He assures Ahaz he doesn’t need to fear. God will provide Ahaz with a son who would be called Immanuel. This demonstrates the Almighty is still with his people. The baby, this sign to Ahaz, will save Israel from its enemies. (He grows up to be one of Judah’s best kings, Hezekiah.)
Remember these key ideas – do not fear, God is with you, and he will save.
The Second Immanuel
Later this Isaiah passage was viewed also as a future messianic prophecy. (We’re not looking at the aspect of the virgin birth here.) This second Immanuel will also save people, but from a much bigger enemy, their sin. This baby to be called Immanuel is also called a “sign.” Angels give this message to the shepherds along with the same message not to fear. “Fear not for I bring you good news. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10a, 12)
God promised to be with his people before they entered the promised land. “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8) This is quoted about Jesus in Hebrews 13:5.
God with us today
Jesus’ arrival as a baby reminded a world filled with despair that God was still with them. We can take comfort that our Immanuel, Jesus, is with us today so we don’t need to fear. He wants to save us and be with us in close fellowship.
