Advent 4 – God With Us, Still

God With Us, Still

A short reflection on Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 7:10-16

When Matthew tells the story of Jesus’ birth, he begins not just with a baby but with a name: Immanuel, which means “God with us.” It’s a name pulled from Isaiah’s prophecy, meant for a different time, now given fresh meaning in the story of Jesus.

At first glance, the Isaiah passage isn’t about a distant future Messiah. It’s about a sign for King Ahaz, facing military threats and political uncertainty. A child will be born, Isaiah says, and his name will be a reminder: God hasn’t abandoned you.

Centuries later, Matthew sees a deeper thread. In Jesus, he says, this promise is fulfilled again – not just poetically, but personally. God is not above or beyond our struggles. God enters them. Through Mary’s courage and Joseph’s confusion, through Roman occupation and scandal, through flesh and bone – God is with us.

This isn’t a story that demands historical proof. It’s a story that invites faith. It invites us to look around and ask: Where do I see signs of Immanuel today?

God meets us in the mess, not just the miracle. Jesus' birth reminds us that divine love shows up in our ordinary, complicated lives.

Scripture speaks across time. Like Matthew, we’re invited to read with heart and imagination, letting ancient words bring fresh hope today.

Ngā mihi
Philip

p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here: https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-advent-4-21-december-2025