"God With Us" by Michael W. Smith is a powerful and awe-inspiring song that captures the essence of the divine presence in our lives. The song takes us on a journey through time, from the beginning of creation to the birth of Jesus, highlighting the eternal and unchanging nature of God.
The song begins by emphasizing the eternal nature of God. It speaks of a time before the dawn of time when God existed in perfect union with Himself. This is a reference to the concept of the Trinity – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – who have always been in perfect fellowship and unity. The lyrics paint a picture of a God who is complete and satisfied within Himself, with no need for anything else.
As the song progresses, it shifts its focus to the moment of the Incarnation – when God became man in the form of Jesus Christ. It describes this event as a "holy chosen midnight" – a moment of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promise to be with His people. This is a reference to the prophecies in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 7:14, which foretold the birth of a child who would be called Immanuel, meaning "God with us."
The song beautifully captures the wonder and mystery of God's presence among us. It speaks of something "wild and wondrous" happening, as God, who was once in the highest heaven, suddenly becomes "God with us." This demonstrates the radical nature of God's love and grace – that He would humble Himself to dwell among His creation.
Throughout the song, there is an underlying theme of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. The lyrics highlight how God has always been with His people, even before the birth of Jesus. It speaks of the moment when shepherds heard the angels sing, and Mary held her child, the King. These references point to the birth of Jesus, where God's promise of salvation and reconciliation with humanity was finally realized.
The song also reminds us of the glory and goodness of God's gift of grace and love. It speaks of the profound impact of God's presence in our lives – how it transforms us and brings us into a deeper relationship with Him. The repeated refrain of "God with us" serves as a declaration of faith and a reminder of the hope and assurance we have in His presence.
Overall, "God With Us" is a song that invites us to reflect on the profound truth of God's presence in our lives. It reminds us of His eternal nature, His faithfulness to His promises, and the transformative power of His love. It encourages us to embrace the reality that God is with us – not just in the past, but in the present and for all eternity. As we listen to this song, let us be reminded of the incredible privilege we have to experience the presence of God in our lives.
