Immanuel

Read Matthew 1.18-25

Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022

Quoting from Isaiah 7:14, Matthew explains that while “Jesus” is his birth name, Immanuel is his factual reality. Whereas in the Old Testament, Immanuel was manifested by God’s spirit in a place, such as in the Holy of Holies or the burning bush, Immanuel is the factual reality of God’s manifest presence. Now God’s presence is manifested in a baby born in Bethlehem. So what was transient and temporary in the Old Testament — the dwelling of God’s Spirit with Israel — was now made permanent and eternal.