“His Name shall be called Immanuel, which is translated ‘God with us’.” Matt 1:23
I have had the privilege to travel to nearly forty nations on five continents. I have seen the brilliance and courage of humanity; I have also seen depravity and wantonness. I have seen blind indifference giving rise to massive greed and indulgence; I have also seen radical obedience to the Unseen Kingdom overflowing in generosity and sacrifice for others. I have seen chasms of despair; I have witnessed quintessential expressions of hope. Negative forces are at work irrespective of stable and benevolent governments. Religious belief often acts as a ameliorating balm; though at times has brought more fear than our worst recurring nightmares.
Christmas time reminds us that history has been decorated by a Force for good, a Progenitor of peace. But it must not be merely wrapped in traditions or trimmed with pithy greetings and good cheer. Though these may be as strings of lights adorning our mundane musings and interactions, it isn’t long before they are unplugged and put deep into closets and attics in anticipation of another day.
When realities of loss and disappointment, attacks and disasters come, and come they will, we cannot summon gift-bearing Santas fast enough, nor will bows and ribbons hide the truth that not all gifts we are given in life are endearing. Happiness is elusive. Pleasures are fleeting. We are perpetually being stalked by something. My intent is not to convey pessimism; rather, I am painting with broad strokes of candor. While the stage we have entered may have a backdrop of contradictions and props laced with thorns and thistles, we are not mere spectators awaiting the thrill and suspense of a cornucopian climax. The simple, and only reason that signals this story’s tree-star has been hung and a light has burst forth to drown out all darkness is the entrance of the Star: the One we have all been waiting for, the One who will grace the stage and transform every tragedy into a sugar plum saga of Joy-to-the-world dance and song. He does not make a guest appearance. He is not a part of the climax, he incarnates it.
He is called Immanuel. More than a title, this name reveals mission and ultimate purpose. While the name Jesus addressed the need of man (“He will save us from our sins”), and Christ pointed to the fulfillment of the hopes of mankind to finally have a King to rule and bring peace, harmony, and justice, when the angel announced He would be called Immanuel, nothing could have described the deepest longings, passions, and desires of every man more accurately.
Haggai prophesied another name of Immanuel which captures this mystery so conclusively. As he illustrates the irresistible nature of His attraction, he writes:
“and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple (i.e. you and me) with glory.” Hag 2:7
Magis came afar from their palaces; shepherds came from among the lowly in nearby fields. Wherever I have gone among these many nations on multiple continents, I have discovered one thing which is common to all, which defines the quality of the existence of peoples from all tribes, tongues, and races. The cry in the heart of us all is not just for a God who solves my problems, or even who sits upon the throne over our worlds. More than a God “up there” who can deliver or preside, we long for the One who lives inside. We need more than help; we need companionship. We need more than a Savior; we need a Lover. At the most basic level, the very core of our being, we all need to know that God is with me, that He will not walk away when I am in trouble, that He will not leave me alone in my misery, my discouragements, or my defeats.
Whether we call him Immanuel, or the Desire of All Nations, may this message and reminder told year after year at Christmas be inked on your soul this New Year. My prayer? That “God with us” would truly and manifestly be “God with you”.