God With Us | Immanuel
About this series:
So many words are regularly associated with Christmas: presents, family, tree, nativity, Jesus, holiday, mince pies, carols, Joseph & Mary, joy, etc. But perhaps the most precious is Immanuel. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’),” Matthew 1:23.
As John says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" - God himself giving himself as a man for mankind. It's completely mind blowing! So this Christmas we're going to focus on this word - Immanuel - and what it means for us that Jesus was God with us, is still with us in the person of the Holy Spirit and has won for us an eternity in which we will be with him in the perfection of the new creation.
About this talk:
The angel said so many remarkable things to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). And some equally remarkable things to Joseph: "what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:18-25). Matthew then explains that this was fulfilling a centuries-old prophecy that Immanuel - God with us - would come.
Audio only
Devotional
Luke 2:8-14
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
What’s your security object?
Many of us grew up with a security item that helped us feel safe during times of separation and fear. While those objects fade with age, the need for security often remains.
That ongoing need points to a deeper separation from God, caused by sin. We were created for relationship with Him, but apart from God we try to navigate life on our own.
To fill that gap, we often attach ourselves to relationships, technology, possessions, or success. Though comforting at first, these substitutes eventually fail to satisfy.
Over time, disappointment, loneliness, and anxiety can leave us feeling worn down and empty. What we cling to cannot truly give us lasting peace
Immanuel - God with us, where true security is found.
At Christmas, God comes near as Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Jesus enters our world to show us God’s love in a personal and tangible way.
Through the incarnation, Jesus lived among us and gave His life to restore our broken relationship with God. His love is not distant or theoretical, but real and sacrificial.
God’s presence did not end when Jesus left the earth. Through the Holy Spirit, God now lives in us and remains with us forever.
Because of Jesus, we are never alone. We no longer need false sources of security when our true hope is found in Him.
Discussion questions
Did you have a security item as a child? What did it represent for you emotionally?
In what ways do adults still look for “security blankets” today?
Why do you think relationships, technology, or possessions often fail to meet our deeper needs?
How does the idea of God being with us—and now in us—change how we face fear, loneliness, or uncertainty?
Which aspect of Jesus being “with you” do you most need right now (peace, guidance, comfort, forgiveness, strength)?
Application
Identify your attachments: Prayerfully reflect on what you turn to for security when you feel anxious or alone. Be honest with God about it.
Release the substitute: Ask God to help you loosen your grip on things that cannot ultimately satisfy.
Receive His presence: Spend intentional time this week acknowledging God’s nearness—through Scripture, prayer, or quiet reflection.
Live from assurance: When fear or loneliness arises, remind yourself: I am not an orphan. God is with me.
Share the hope: This Christmas, look for opportunities to reflect God’s presence to others who may feel isolated or forgotten.
May you experience the deep, lasting security of Immanuel—God with you—this Christmas and always.
