The only time we usually hear Jesus referred to by the title “Immanuel” is around Christmas. Seasonal songs declare that God has given His Son to us as a baby born in Bethlehem. But when a new calendar year begins, is that name packed away for another year along with the decorations?

The word Immanuel is written three times in the Bible, twice in the Old Testament (Isaiah 7:14; 8:8) and once in the New Testament (Matthew 1:23). Seven hundred years passed between the prophecy given in Isaiah and Matthew’s record of the angelic visit instructing Joseph to name Mary’s baby Jesus. Joseph did, in fact, give Him the name Jesus (Matthew 1:25) which is what He was called throughout His earthly life. But what happened to “they shall call his name Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23)?

Mighty God Took Human Form

Matthew explains “Immanuel…means ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23).  It is a declaration of who He is. Similarly, Isaiah 9:6 refers to Jesus Christ as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. All these are descriptors of His essential character, purpose, and authority. He was never called any of these other names by family, friends, or enemies; they referred to Him as Jesus. “God with us” means that God – who is the divine, sovereign Creator – is with us by living in human form and able to totally identify with our struggles yet without sinning (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus is God with us in Person.

God Promises His Presence

We were originally created to have an unbroken, ongoing fellowship with God. But that relationship was broken when sin entered through Adam and Eve, and mankind was helpless to restore that connection. Jesus came to earth because we needed Him to show us what God is like, to forgive our sin, and to offer a new path to having an intimate relationship with our Creator God. Immanuel is not just a name, but a promise that He will save us from sin while offering person-to-person fellowship, friendship, companionship, and protection. There are no longer any barriers between us and Him. One of the final promises He declares before His ascension is that He will be with us always (Matthew 28:20).

Never Alone

The human heart has a deep longing for connection and to be known fully without rejection. Jesus, as Immanuel, provides for these needs as His Holy Spirit indwells and empowers those who believe in Him as Savior and Lord (Galatians 4:6). There is no human experience that He has not also lived. His constant presence in our lives provides comfort and security that nothing else can offer. There is never a moment when we are alone whether we are experiencing joys or sorrows, excitement or despair, energy or weariness. Jesus can give hope, inner peace, and encouragement in the midst of the most difficult situations. He is with us! He is in us! He is for us!

As a new year arrives, let us remember our Jesus as the constant Presence, Helper, and Friend in every moment and situation. Don’t pack away “Immanuel” until next December – look for signs of His presence in each day and in each life challenge. With Jesus as Savior and Lord, we are never alone.

All Scripture references are English Standard Version (ESV).