In the Christmas story, God moved Matthew to borrow the text of Isaiah’s prophecy of old, and apply it to the birth of Jesus Christ. “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23)” So, the God of creation, came to earth and dwelt among men on that first Christmas Day! He came to die for the sins of mankind. He rose from the dead in three days, demonstrating His victory over sin, death and Hell. He was indeed God with us.
After He ascended back to Heaven, He kept His promise to replace His own physical presence on earth with that of the Holy Spirit, which He called, “The Comforter.” “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26)” He, the Spirit of God, would reside in the spiritual hearts of everyone who would repent of their sins and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. So, in a very personal way, God is still with us. While knowing God is experienced in the non-material part of man, those who possess His Spirit are comforted by His undeniable presence.
Jesus also promised, before He ascended back to Heaven, that He would return to claim for Himself, those who have made Him Lord, and accepted His gift of forgiveness. “…I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:3)” According to His Word, this return is eminent (it could happen at any time). The event is commonly referred to as the Rapture or Catching Away of the Church.
Even then, Christ’s work on earth will not be complete. He promised the Hebrews of old that He would reign as their King for 1000 years from Jerusalem. His reign will be a time of peace on earth, and truly good will toward man, but before that day comes, there must be a time of judgment on this sinful earth. The Bible refers to this seven years of divine judgment as the Tribulation. It will be a time of decision for all flesh; everyone will decide what he/she believes about the Lord, Jesus Christ—God with us.