Isaiah 7:14 (NASB)
"Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel."

During the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, the sending out of greeting cards, and preparations for family Christmas feasts, it takes little effort to forget what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. It is much more than peace and goodwill to all, or being a little nicer to one's neighbor.

The wonderful message of Christmas is that God sent His one and only Son to be born into a sinful world, to save us from its effects, which lead to eternal death. God sent His Son to do what we cannot do. Save ourselves. He came to fulfill prophecy and all righteousness for our sake.

"But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.' Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,' which translated means, 'GOD WITH US.'" (Matthew 1:20-23)

The name "Immanuel" is important because of its meaning, "God with us." God cared so deeply for condemned humanity, that He Himself came to rescue us, to provide a way back to reconciliation with Himself and eternal life. To provide an open door back to Eden. Christmas is not just a time of giving and receiving gifts or fellowship with family and friends, though these are part of the season. It is a time that calls on us to reflect on that little Babe born in Bethlehem, and what this Babe would grow up to be and accomplish for us so that we may be saved. So that we may eventually go home to live with Him eternally.