In the Gospel of St. Matthew, we encounter the beautiful prophecy from Isaiah (7:14), fulfilled in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23) This announcement brings us great joy and hope; it signifies the extraordinary act of God breaking into human history, taking on our flesh, and dwelling among us. This was not simply a historical event that occurred in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. The fact that God is with us is a timeless truth that is deep within our hearts and every part of our being. God’s presence is not confined to a particular time or place but extends to every moment of our lives.

In our moments of joy, God is with us, celebrating with open arms. In times of sorrow and struggle, God is with us, offering solace and strength. When we feel lost and uncertain, God is with us, guiding our steps with His light. This reality is both comforting and reassuring. Prayer becomes our means of communication with the One who is always near, listening to the whispers of our hearts and responding with unfailing love. The sacraments, especially the Eucharist, are tangible encounters with the living God, where we partake in the divine mystery and receive the grace that sustains us on our pilgrimage.

Emmanuel, God with us, calls us to live in a way that reflects His love and mercy. We are called to be channels of God’s presence in the world. Through acts of kindness and compassion we manifest the reality that God is indeed with us and working through us to bring about His kingdom. May we, inspired by the truth of Emmanuel, always be ready to share the good news that God is with us in every circumstance of life.

May God bless you.