Emmanuel: God With Us—Living in the Reality of His Presence

We often hear the name Emmanuel during the Christmas season. It evokes images of Silent Night, snow-covered landscapes, and the warmth of candlelit services. As Christians, we know the meaning: God with us. But what does that truly mean in the everyday moments of life, especially in times of struggle and unanswered prayers?

The Comfort of Emmanuel

The Christmas definition of Emmanuel reminds us that Jesus came to earth, born in a manger, living among us, dying for us, rising again, and revealing the Father. It’s a comforting truth:

• He will never leave or forsake us.

• He is with us to the end of the age.

• Nothing can separate us from His love.

These truths are profound, yet living them out in real life can be a challenge, especially when fear and unmet expectations creep in.

A Journey of Waiting

Recently, I found myself on a journey of hope and fear. After over a year of trying to conceive, every month without a positive pregnancy test felt like a little more hope slipping away. This month was different—I was filled with expectation, boldly and passionately asking God to answer our prayers.

In the midst of my prayers, the Holy Spirit brought to mind the story of Jairus in Mark 5. Jairus, a religious leader, approached Jesus to heal his dying daughter. On the way, they were interrupted by a woman in need of healing. Before they could reach Jairus’ home, news came that his daughter had died. Jesus said to him, “Do not fear, only believe.”

Walking with Jesus, Not Just to a Result

For two weeks, I clung to Jesus’ words, “She’s not dead, she’s only sleeping,” repeating them with what I thought was great faith. Yet, God revealed a deeper truth: I was believing in the answer to my prayer, not in Jesus Himself.

Like Jairus, I was walking toward a desired outcome rather than truly walking with Jesus. Jairus didn’t know how the story would end, but he walked with Jesus to see it unfold. What did they talk about on the way? Was Jairus just using Jesus as a means to an end?

These questions confronted me. Was I doing the same thing? Asking “why” questions rooted in fear rather than resting in faith:

• “Am I too old?”

• “Is this Your will, God?”

• “Should I change something about myself?”

Instead of walking with Emmanuel, I was consumed by walking toward an outcome.

A Revelation of Freedom and Hope

When the pregnancy test came back negative again, God birthed something greater in me: the realization that I wasn’t walking toward an answer—I was walking with the Answer.

• How can we walk toward hope when we’re walking with Hope?

• How can we walk toward healing when we’re walking with the Healer?

• How can we walk toward provision when we’re walking with the Provider?

• How can we walk toward victory when we’re walking with the Victorious One?

In Emmanuel, we already have everything we need. Jesus is with us, and we are with Him. We aren’t waiting for something else because He is everything.

Living the Reality of Emmanuel

This Christmas, let’s embrace the reality of God with us. In every pain, disappointment, and struggle, remember that Jesus isn’t just walking beside us—He is everything we need.

As we celebrate the season, let’s live in the tension of “right now” and “not yet,” knowing we already have Emmanuel. Let His presence fill every moment with hope, peace, and joy.

We don’t need to wait for an answer. We already have Him. Live the truth of Emmanuel—God with us—this season and beyond.