“They shall call his name Immanuel.”
Matthew 1:23

For many people Christmas is a joyful and festive time of year, but for some it can be a very lonely time. This may be the first Christmas since a loved one has passed away. Maybe your children have moved and won’t be home this year. Maybe it’s a reminder of broken relationships or financial difficulties. All of these things can cause us to feel very alone and sad.

But the message of Christmas is that we are not alone. Matthew 1:23 states that when Jesus was born, he was to be called Immanuel, which means “God with Us”. God came down to earth as a baby to become one of us, to suffer as we do, so that He would understand our pain and know how to comfort us. He came to deliver us from sin so that we could live with Him forever in eternity.

Immanuel: God with Us. While it may feel like we are alone, we aren’t. What a comfort to know that He is always present and will never leave our side. Wherever we go, God will be there. He is with us in every situation, good or bad. He is there to give us hope and strength and whatever else we may need.

This is great news! Wherever you are this Christmas, whenever you are hurting or feeling stretched thin, know that you are not alone. God is right there with you.

Lord, thank you for sending your son, Immanuel, and for being present and never leaving our side. Please comfort those who are lonely this Christmas. Bring them joy and peace knowing they are not alone and you are with them. Amen.

Contributed by Amy Norton