One of my favorite names Jesus is called by is the name, “Emmanuel” and it means “God with us”. I find no greater hope, encouragement, and joy than in the name Emmanuel. This name literally means that God is among us and He is dwelling among us. Though this is also an old name.

This name appeared when the prophet Isaiah prophesied about Jesus to King Ahaz in Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” In this context, God told Ahaz to ask Him for a sign. Ahaz refused and so God gave him a sign anyways and the sign was the prophecy of the birth of Jesus. 

At this time, Ahaz had heard the news that two kings, the king of Aram and Ephraim were joining forces and so the people were afraid. Then God tells of this son called Emmanuel who will be born but by that time the lands of these kings will be no more. God then tells them that Assyria is coming and they will destroy them. 

When Jesus was born, everything took place so that what was spoken through Isaiah, would come true. In Matthew 1, Jesus is born. An angel tells Joseph to name the child Jesus because “he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1: 21). Then Matthew reminds us of the prophecy foretold in Isaiah that this child is the Emmanuel. God is with His people. After many years of silence, a baby is born, a gift is given. God is with us and He is with us forever. 

This is why Emmanuel is my favorite name for Jesus. It brings so much joy and peace, knowing Jesus is our Savior and He is coming again.