Karina Suryatenggara Festivities are in full motion with choirs of carollers and busy shoppers, all leading to this very day: Christmas!
We’ve all grown up to believe this season revolves around the joy of giving and receiving presents, though we’ve figured out that the real gift giver is our parents, not Santa. However, many of us still fail to realise there is one very real gift-giver that gives us something far greater than anyone in this world can offer.
The great miracle of Christmas is the coming of our God to be with us, because He loves us and desires to save us from our sins. The only way to do this? By fixing the broken relationship between God and man.
Immanuel: God with us
Long ago, in the Old Testament, in the midst of a corrupted kingdom, Isaiah prophesied of a child that would be called Immanuel.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
Thise prophecy was fulfilled in the baby named Jesus Christ, who was born of the virgin Mary. Though He is never called by the name ‘Immanuel’ (God with us) directly by those around Him, this name remains a key part of His identity. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, as Jesus is God incarnate that came down to be with us, His people.
God continues to be with us
Though Jesus has already ascended to heaven and returned to His Father, Jesus’ promise of sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within each of us and “teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26) still applies today.
The Holy Spirit continues Christ’s work on Earth through us, ultimately meaning that God has not left us and rather wants and uses us to glorify Him.
Through the Holy Spirit, we are able to understand God’s Word; where in it, we learn about His character and how we should live for Him. The Holy Spirit also enables us to pray to God and ultimately, building a personal relationship and growing closer with Him. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit gives us strength and wisdom as well, so that with great zeal we can proclaim and spread the good news of Jesus Christ to others.
And, it is through the Holy Spirit we are able to live for God, that one day, we may be reunited with Him, free from the sin that takes us away from the God we know and love.
Application
While our Christmas’ may be filled with gifts from families and friends, may we not forget about our God’s greatest gift to all of us: that He has not forgotten us, but continues to be with us through the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
He is with us in times of struggle and despair, times of joy and happiness, and He is certainly present to guide us when we need to make tough decisions.
Because God is with us, let us take the opportunity to come to Him through prayer and grow in our relationship with Him. He has not forgotten us, so let us not forget Him.
May the good news of Immanuel not be one merely remembered on Christmas day, but treasured our whole lives as the greatest gift: that we have a God who wants to be and is with us.
Karina Suryatenggara (14) is a writer for RE Generation-Z. Through her writing, she hopes that many teens as well as herself can grow spiritually and draw closer to God. She enjoys cooking, eating and catching up on the many books her friends recommend.