Immanuel- God with us. That is significant. We ask the question before we enter in a life changing activity of our spouse or family or friends. "Whether this fails or succeeds, are you with me?" The soldier going into battle ask it of his fellow soldiers. "If we are attacked, are you with me?" We really don't want to be left hanging when the crash comes, when the failure is imminent, when the problems arise or when most people leave. We want to make sure that we are not alone.
Immanuel- God with us. That does not just mean that Jesus came to bring a flashing presence and then depart. It does not just mean that Jesus would get a taste of humanity so that he could better understand when he would do the interceding activity (1 John 2:1). It does not just mean that he would bring a little taste of heaven in flesh so we could get a glimpse of what is ahead. It did not mean that he was a "Savior to go." He came to stay. Even as he was preparing to die, he spent more time making provisions for his continued presence here even when absent in body (John 14-17 he speaks volumes about the Holy Spirit's coming presence and role). Immanuel means he's in it for the long haul. And, it means that we can be in it for the eternal haul.
Immanuel- God with us- today on Christmas 2009 and everyday until it is finally "us with God."