Principal's Ponderings

Emmanuel – Jesus is With Us

Matthew 1:23 • Luke 2:14

In the Christmas story, one of the most powerful names given to Jesus is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Matthew records the prophecy fulfilled at His birth: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel.” (Matthew 1:23).

Those three words, God with us, change everything. The God who created the universe chose to step into His creation. He did not remain distant, watching from afar. He drew near. He came as a child, born in a stable, to show us His love and to walk among us.

We often talk at school about being present. A teacher is present when they give full attention to a student. A friend is present when they listen and stand by someone in need. A parent is present when they take time to encourage, guide, and support. Presence makes a difference. But the presence of God goes beyond anything we could offer each other. His presence brings peace, comfort, guidance, and strength.

The truth of Emmanuel means that we are never alone. In moments of celebration, He is with us. In times of difficulty, He is with us. In the ordinary routines of our classrooms, playgrounds, and homes, He is with us. Even when life feels uncertain, Emmanuel reminds us that God has not abandoned us.

This is the wonder of Christmas: the Holy, eternal, mighty God humbled Himself to dwell with His people. Jesus entered our world not as a distant ruler, but as a loving Saviour who shares our humanity. He knows our struggles and our joys, and He promises to walk with us through them all.

The angels echoed this good news on the night Jesus was born:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.” (Luke 2:14).

I remember when our three children were born, I could not wait to message everyone when each of our kids was born, to shout it out that baby Smits were here! Our announcements were not as grand as the Saviour of the World! The Angels announcement was not a quiet suggestion; it was a heavenly declaration. The long-awaited Saviour had come. God’s promise was fulfilled. Hope arrived, peace was offered, and love was revealed in the form of a baby lying in a manger. Jesus was born not simply to inspire us, but to rescue us, to break the power of sin, restore our relationship with God, and bring us life in abundance. His birth is heaven’s reminder that we are not forgotten or forsaken. God has stepped into our world, and His presence changes everything. Everything!

At school, we spend time reflecting on the Christmas narrative, reflecting on hope, peace, joy, love, and the truth that God is with us. All of it points here: to the birth of the Saviour at Christmas. This is why we sing, why we celebrate, and why we worship.

But Christmas is not just about remembering a story long ago. It is about responding now. The shepherds did not hear the angels and stay in the fields; they hurried to Bethlehem to see Jesus for themselves. In the same way, we are invited not just to hear about Jesus, but to come close to Him, to worship Him, and to receive the gift of salvation He offers.

This Christmas, as families gather and celebrations unfold, may we make space to worship Emmanuel, our Saviour with us. In a busy season, choosing to stop and adore Jesus is one of the greatest gifts we can give Him and ourselves.

Where do you most need to remember that Jesus, your Saviour, is truly “God with you” this week? And how can your family make space to worship Him, not just celebrate the season?

Lord Jesus, Emmanuel and our Saviour, thank You that You came to be with us. Thank You that we are never alone, because You have stepped into our world and into our lives. Help us to worship You with grateful hearts this Christmas, in our homes, our church, our school, and our community. May Your presence bring peace, joy, and salvation to all who call on Your name. Amen.

With joy in this season, 

Chad Smit