"... and His name shall be called Immanuel ..."

Immanuel: God with us. Three words that both complicate and simplify the Christmas story. Of all the pictures of Christmas, the one painted with these words has the most value.

These words complicate Christmas as we try to understand why an unlimited God would take on limiting flesh. These words simplify the Christmas story and help us to see the gift given to all of humanity. The three words "God with us" usher in the revolution of freedom authored by the creator who is higher than, but intimately engaged with, his creation.

God, Creator, transcendent, above all things. The one whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts, whose ways are greater than our own. God is every word we think to describe him, yet there are not enough words to fully portray and understand who he is. He is the one who desires for us to know his thoughts and ways in order to be transformed into a new creation.

Involved, engaged, not distant. God is not a cosmic observer watching from a distance. He is not disengaged with the universe, patiently waiting to see how things work out. Nor is he an impersonal force uncaring as to whether he is seen or understood. He is with us. He is involved. He is present.

The whole point of the Christmas story is God taking on infantile flesh and coming to us. The fresh, soft and smooth baby flesh containing the creator of the universe came to us. The same flesh that was stroked and cooed was the same flesh that was stricken and crushed for us: those of us who feel the weight of pain and sorrow resulting from the curse and who fill our lives with wonders and pleasures all the while secretly and near silently asking, "Is this all there is?"

"God with us." Three perplexing words that begin to paint the majesty of Christmas. Three words that can change our lives.

May God be with you this Christmas.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson.