God with Us

Christmas Day celebrates a miracle so familiar that we can easily overlook how astonishing it truly is.

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14, ESV). God did not remain distant or speak from afar. Instead, He came near, and He entered our world fully. In Jesus Christ, God stepped into our weakness, our suffering, and our need so that we could know Him personally and walk with Him daily.

Because Jesus came, we are no longer alone. He is God with us in joy and sorrow, and He is God with us in peace and conflict. He is God with us in seasons of confidence, but He is also God with us in confusion. Christmas reminds us that the presence of Christ does not remove every hardship, yet it assures us that we never face anything without Him.

At the same time, Christmas points us beyond the manger. Jesus did not come only to comfort us; He came to save us. The cradle leads to the cross, and the cross leads to the empty tomb. Therefore, Christmas celebrates not only Christ’s birth, but also the grace that redeems sinners and restores broken lives.

So today, as gifts are opened and meals are shared, we pause to celebrate more than a moment. We celebrate a Person. Jesus Christ has come, and because He has come, everything has changed.

Live It Out – The i3A Pathway

Identify
Where do you feel most aware of your need for God’s presence right now: emotionally, relationally, or spiritually?

Align
Remind yourself that in Christ, God is not distant. He is Immanuel; God with you in this moment, not just in theory, but in reality.

Adapt
Consider how this truth might reshape your expectations today. How might you slow down, release control, or respond with trust because Christ is near?

Apply
Take one intentional step today that reflects your confidence in God’s presence. That might include a moment of prayer, an act of kindness, or a choice to rest in His promises.

Prayer

Father, thank You for sending Your Son to dwell among us. Thank You that in Jesus, You have come near, not to condemn us, but to save us. Help us to rejoice today not only in His birth, but in the grace, hope, and new life He brings. Teach us to live in the confidence that You are with us in every moment. We praise You for the gift of Immanuel, given for us and with us. Amen.

Stay Connected and Grow With Us

If you would like ongoing help applying these truths in everyday life, I would be honored to walk with you.

You can learn more about coaching and take the next step by visiting
https://community.jameslongjr.org/checkout/the-coaching-circle

You can also explore additional articles, podcasts, and resources focused on biblical mental, emotional, and relational health at jameslongjr.org.

The Lessons for Life community exists to provide practical teaching, honest encouragement, and biblically grounded tools for real-life struggles. I would be honored to have you join us as we learn together how to live with greater faith, freedom, and dependence on Christ.