Love in Action: Immanuel Among Us

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

-John 1:14

My family has a mantra that we live out at every family gathering and during each holiday season. In our family, “food is love” isn’t just a saying, it’s practically a law, especially at Christmas, when cookies, stollen, and all the beloved family recipes become an official way of celebrating togetherness. There’s something almost magical about baking cookies with your grandma, and my children have grown up with that joy. It’s in those simple, shared moments that memories begin to take shape. A child sneaking the kisses off the tops of the cookies, a cousin humming a favorite tune, the dads eating unlimited amounts of their favorites - these moments create a rhythm of connection that lingers long after the cookies are gone. Of course, it’s not the treats themselves but the togetherness that makes the memory unforgettable. Time with our family near is one of our most cherished blessings of the season, and what stays with us is the feelings we create through the joy of connection.

Most of us imagine God’s nearness as something we should feel. Comfort. Warmth. Security. Reassurance. But John's description of Christ's presence doesn’t describe a feeling, he describes it as a fact: the Word became flesh and lived among us. When we think of the birth of Jesus, the first image that likely comes to mind is a stable, a quiet night. Which means God-with-us is not dependent on your feelings. Our homes, hallways, classrooms, and cafeterias are modern-day “mangers” where God chooses to dwell. Each moment with your family, each interaction with a student, each conversation with a colleague, each quiet act of care is an opportunity to sense God with us. The Word that became flesh is present in our presence and our faithful engagement with others.

The next few days and weeks are filled with ripe opportunities to be truly near and present with your loved ones. In the midst of your holiday preparations, gift-giving, and celebrations, it can be tempting to rush from one task to the next, and to let our attention be pulled by phones and screens. Yet the real gift we can offer one another is our presence. Set aside distractions. Put devices down. Listen, laugh, and notice the people around you. These moments of sharing stories, baking together, praying with one another, are the ones that create lasting memories and deepen the bonds of love.

Remember, no matter your feelings, God is not distant; He is present, alive in the spaces you inhabit and in the work you do. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and walks with you today. These moments of undivided attention are where lasting memories, deepened relationships, and the joy of Immanuel can be found as we celebrate the greatest gift of all: the God who became flesh to bring us salvation through His birth.

Prayer

Immanuel, thank You for coming among us as a child, bringing salvation, hope, love, and joy. Help me to see Your nearness in the ordinary moments of life, to set aside distractions, and to be fully present with those we love. Amen.