Good morning people who are created and called to walk in intimacy with God.

Matthew 1:23 NIV “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Psalm 139:7-12 NIV Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

God is everywhere present, all of the time. He is both the God of all and He is also the personal God who resides with and dwells in people. What a marvellous God!

The introduction of Jesus was connected to the declaration that “God is with us”. This is so profound and it is a foundation of our faith. Unlike other religions – and all of them are false – this call to follow Jesus is a call to walk with the God who walks with us.

Immanuel (or Emmanuel) is a declaration of nearness. God is not interested in a long distance relationship. Personal is His desire. Intimacy is what He wants with every person.

David talks in this Psalm about the different seasons and circumstances of life. Whether we are in the depths or flying high, God is present. If we travel to the ends of the earth or we find ourselves in the darkest of times, God is there too.

This truth of “God with us” is our anchor in every moment. Whether we are crossing the lake to go to the other side, or we find ourselves in a fiery furnace because we are standing in truth, God is present.

This is our God. This is our King. This is our Friend.