Mystified, I looked at the package. I didn’t recognize the person in the return address. As I opened it, a smile lit up my face. Inside lay a dainty candy cane watch~but no card. 

“Do you think one of your readers sent it?” my husband asked. “You often write about your love of candy canes at this time of year.”

“I don’t know…maybe,” I replied as I examined the watch. 

Then I remembered. An earlier text from a friend told me to expect a couple of packages. A quick follow-up confirmed she had sent the watch.

I love this gift. Every time I check the time, it reminds me Jesus is always present in my life. His presence is one of the most beautiful gifts of Christmas, and one which I didn’t notice for many years.

Matthew announced this gift when he described the birth of Jesus:

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

     “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
          and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:22-23 ESV)

I admit I used to gloss over this Scripture, partly because I didn’t understand the name change. In the gospel of Luke, the angel instructed Mary to name the baby Jesus. (Luke 1:31) But this prophecy seems to indicate His name should be Immanuel.

As I’ve studied this passage in depth and read through Bible commentaries, I’ve learned the “they” in the prophecy does not refer to Joseph and Mary, but to the people who would receive salvation from this baby. By calling Him Immanuel, they described the role Jesus would play.

The apostle John beautifully echoes the significance of the role of “God with us” in his gospel account:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 ESV)

All of the gospels record the life Jesus led among us. But His role as “God with us” did not end with His death on the cross. Matthew closes out his gospel account with this promise from Jesus:

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b ESV)

Along with candy canes,  Christmas music reminds me of God’s promises. Some songs leave a lasting impression in my heart. One in particular, written by Amy Grant, perfectly speaks to the promise of God with us. 

The song’s title uses the Greek translation of the Hebrew word, Immanuel. Although spelled differently, the two names have identical pronunciations and meanings.

The lyrics of Emmanuel, God with Us, describe the peace Jesus offers to all who grow weary in the face of struggle. The description of us as travelers facing uncertain futures seems especially fitting today. 

Like many people I know, the difficulties of 2020 have left me feeling weary. We all hope 2021 will be better, but we have no guarantees. In the face of these facts, in her song, Amy Grant reminds us of this greater truth: no matter what the future holds, Jesus will still be with us. 

Wherever the road leads us next, I pray we remember the One who is with us, not only at Christmas, but always.