In prophesying of the birth of the Christ, Isaiah said, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14). Matthew then records the fulfillment of this prophecy in the New Testament. An angel told Joseph that the child that Mary was carrying was "conceived in her of the Holy Spirit." Matthew then explained that this was to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy and went on to say that Immanuel meant "God with us." (Matt. 1:18-25) Thus the angel, as the prophet before him, proclaimed that this person who was entering our world was not, nor ever would be, an ordinary man. He was and is God. As John testifies, he "became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14-18).
While here on earth, Jesus proclaimed himself to be "God with us." He proclaimed his dual nature in his questioning of the Pharisees and showed them that the parentage of the Christ would be both divine and human. He was physically the son of David, but was also God, therefore David called him "Lord." (Matt. 22:41-46). Although in the flesh, Jesus proclaimed himself to be the same as his Father. He proclaimed himself to be God. (John 14:9) The Jews clearly understood what Jesus had claimed, but chose not to believe the claims. It was because of his claims that some felt justified in killing him. (cf. John 10:33).
Jesus not only made such claims, but he also demonstrated by his actions that he was indeed "God with us." He demonstrated his power "on earth" to forgive sins, something that those who observed him even recognized that "God alone" could do. (Mark 2:1-12). He exhibited the ability to know the thoughts of other men. (Matt. 9:3-4;Mark 2:8; Luke 5:22; 6:7-8; 9:46-47; etc.). Again this is something that only God can do. (cf. 1 Cor. 2:11; Heb. 4:12-13) He also demonstrated His deity by accepting worship from others, something that men cannot and must not do. (Matt. 8:2; 14:33; John 9:38; etc.) There can be no doubt that he was "God with us."
Being "God with us," he took on the form of a man and experienced the things we must experience in a fleshly body. This made him the perfect Savior of mankind and Mediator between God and man.(Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:10-18; 4:14-16). God came and dwelled here on earth. He has now returned to heaven, leaving us an example to follow. (1 Pet. 2:21). Truly, "great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed in the world, Received up in glory." (1 Tim. 3:16).
-- Edward O. Bragwell, Jr