Final Answer:
In Matthew's Gospel, the Holy Spirit's action in Mary bestows upon humanity the profound gift of Emmanuel, meaning "God is with us." This encapsulates the intimate connection between the divine and the mortal, emphasizing God's immanence in human experience.
A) God is with us
Step-by-step explanation:
In Matthew's Gospel, the name Emmanuel is revealed as a profound gift to humanity through the Holy Spirit's action in Mary. The correct answer is A) "God is with us." This designation encapsulates the essence of the divine presence among humans. The term "Emmanuel" is derived from the Hebrew language, where "Immanu" means "with us," and "El" refers to God. Therefore, Emmanuel signifies the incarnation of God in human form, signifying a direct, intimate connection between the divine and the mortal.
The Gospel of Matthew, by introducing Emmanuel, underscores a fundamental theological concept in Christianity—the immanence of God. This means that God is not distant or aloof but actively involved in the human experience. The Holy Spirit's role in Mary's conception and the subsequent naming of Jesus as Emmanuel symbolizes the divine breaking into human history, offering comfort, guidance, and salvation. The phrase "God is with us" carries a profound reassurance, emphasizing that the Almighty is not a distant force but an ever-present companion in the journey of life.
The theological significance of Emmanuel goes beyond linguistic translation; it embodies a theological truth about the nature of God's relationship with humanity. Through the Holy Spirit's intervention, the Gospel of Matthew portrays the extraordinary event where the divine intersects with the human, bringing forth Emmanuel—a powerful reminder of God's continuous presence and involvement in the affairs of humanity.