We usually use this verse apply to Christmas or if we are Catholics, it refers to Virgin Mary is equal to God, which means Mary is the Queen of Heaven (cf. Jeremiah 44). Either of the terms for Matthew 1:23 doesn’t fit to the biblical standard of its meaning.

Why we refer Jesus as our Emmanuel (God with us)? Why not we just call Him our Savior or Messiah? Jesus is more than just being our Savior and Messiah. He wants a special relationship with us that would last for eternity. Let’s read what the KJV Study Bible has to say for Emmanuel: “Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us: This is a title describing the deity of the person of the Son of God rather than a name actually used by Him. It implies God will come to dwell among His own people, which He did in the person of Christ.” ((Thomas Nelson, Inc., King James Version Study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1988 by Liberty University.)

God wants more of us. Because there was a block between God and us, which is our sins, He decided to bring His Son, Jesus, to break the block for us to across over to our Holy Father.

Jesus died and resurrected on the third day (72 hours, not 1 ½ day as most churches would believe), so He can be with us all the time and we have the free access to Him. Although most churches celebrate Christ’s birth on the Christmas Day, we should honor and celebrate His birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection every day.

God wants to have relationship with us while we still are living on the earth and for eternity. He is our Emmanuel.