“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 1:22-23
God has authority over all of human history, to the extent that He can speak through the prophet Isaiah and foretell the birth of Jesus hundreds of years before it occurred. Not only did he predict the birth but the “virgin” birth.
The child was to be called Immanuel, which means God with us. That is because God interrupted human history to take the form of a human and dwell with us. But His presence with us did not end with Jesus’ return to heaven. God gives His Holy Spirit to dwell in the lives of those who believe in Jesus and trust Him for salvation and redemption.
God is with us, not in some vague ethereal way, but rather living inside His children. He promises to never leave or forsake us. He goes before us as our guide, He stands on our right and left to provide power, He follows behind us to protect us, and He is above us to give us wisdom. He is actively working all the time to provide for us and enable us to bear fruit in glorifying His name.
Reluctant Retiree 