God is With Us

Devotionals — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:06:42 +0000

“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

This is a familiar passage for many of us. Depending on your background, it might bring warm memories of childhood Christmas celebrations, or maybe it’s just holiday verbiage that had little meaning for you.

We must not miss the astounding message of this passage, however. In Matthew, it is quoted, giving us more definition:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which means God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

“God with us.” Let that phrase sink in for a moment. Not “God above us” or “God distant from us” or “God against us.”

What does it mean, that God is with us? He wasn’t content to watch men and women, made in His image, wallowing in sin and darkness. He wasn’t content to leave us to ourselves. He fashioned, before the dawn of time, a daring rescue plan. A plan that would have Him lose His life … only to take it up again … to pay for our sins and to give us eternal life. That is “God with us” and God for us!

Each December, during the deepest darkness of the longest nights, God sends us His message year after year: “I am with you.” He is with us in the Light that has come into the world, His Son, Jesus. His Spirit dwells inside each and every believer.

“Arise, shine, for your Light has come!” (Isaiah 60:1).

That is the glory of Christmas. Let us never lose this hope.

Rejoice!

Heavenly Father, even in the darkest times of the year and in our lives, you promise to be with us. That promise is celebrated in the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World. Let Him shine brightly in my heart so I can be a beacon for others. Amen.

By Rand Kreycik
used buy permission

Preparing for Winter

Thoughts_About_God — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 07:06:01 +0000

“I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” Isaiah 45:3

Throughout this past summer a small gray squirrel relentlessly burrowed into the flowers and herbs on my small patio. With upright bushy tail and cocked head, he seemed to almost gleefully resist my shouts and hand clapping, scurrying away to the security of nearby trees, only sneaking back when he sensed I was absent.

With the onset of winter, however, this neighborhood resident isn’t visiting as often. Has he buried his findings under fallen leaves in someone else’s larger garden where he can peacefully uncover his store when the cold of winter arrives?

Squirrels and other animals know they must prepare for the harsh realities that lie ahead. They work hard to store up what they will need when they can no longer find nutrients in my small garden.

The Apostle Peter told early Christians not to be surprised when difficulties—even severe persecution—arrived in their lives. He told them to be alert and always forward looking, trusting that the one who provided their salvation would see them through the difficulties.

Like those first century Christians, we have the responsibility and privilege to prepare ourselves by always digging into the truths of the Bible, discovering the food that will sustain us not only in the present but in the wintry days of increasing darkness. Peter understood the prophet Isaiah’s words, that God could be depended upon to release the treasures, the riches of God when we need them most.

Oh, that we would be as persistent in the discovery endeavor as the squirrel!

by Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

FURTHER READING

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dark days | Thoughts About God

God is With Us

FURTHER READING

Preparing for Winter