The Nearness of God Emmanuel

The angel's message to Joseph (as recorded in Matthew's Gospel) centres on the two names of his newborn child: Jesus and Emmanuel. The name 'Jesus' means 'God saves' because 'he will save his people from their sins'. The second name 'Emmanuel' translates as 'God-is-with-us' referencing Jesus' mission as God's representative to humanity. Together these names point to the solidarity of Jesus with humankind. Jesus is to become the face of God to humanity through his redemptive action of love, suffering and resurrection life.