Like a racehorse bursting out of its box in the big race, Matthew wastes no time with his extravagant claim. The infant boy born to a young virgin woman would be called Emmanuel, which is translated, God with us. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 7:14). What an astounding claim!

Few truths are more comforting than the assurance of God’s abiding presence with us. But feeling abandoned by God, such as the sentiment expressed in Psalm 6, spawns feelings of discouragement, hopelessness, and loneliness. But Matthew’s portrait of Jesus provides the hope of enjoying God’s unfailing, abiding presence.