God with us

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:22-23)

I was just meditating on those final words: God with us.

With us.

Not far from us.

With us.

Not keeping his distance from us because we’re not worthy of his love.

With us.

Not giving up on us because of sins and failures.

With us.

Not constantly accusing us, but rather defending us.

With us.

Not abandoning us when the enemy attacks, but fighting for us.

With us.

Our God is with us.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)