Emmanuel, God with us, is a fulfillment of one of the earliest promises God made to Israel.  “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” Exodus 25:8 (NIV).  They built a tabernacle to be that sanctuary.  We see the tabernacle take perfect form in the incarnation.  “The Word was made flesh and tabernacled among us” (Jn 1:14).  Emmanuel is further fulfilled when His Spirit takes up residence in us (I Cor 3:16; 6:19).  Our God is One who draws very near.