Get the appFollowing Jesus Through the First Christmas: 25 Days of Advent TruthsSample
God is always with us.
Matthew names Jesus Immanuel, which means “God with us.”
That one phrase changes everything.
Christmas isn’t just an event in history; it’s the announcement that the God of the universe stepped out of heaven and into our story. He willingly chose to be near to us.
Immanuel means that God is present in bedrooms and boardrooms, in Sunday mornings and late night worries. He’s with the single parent, the exhausted student, and the brokenhearted widow.
Our Creator didn’t remain distant; He left His throne to become one of us. No part of our lives is outside His care.
Immanuel changes how we live.
This truth should remove our fear and fuel our courage. We can pray honestly, trust fully, and live confidently that we are never alone.
It also shapes how we live with others: if God is with others, we see them differently — with patience, dignity, and hope. We can love people the way that God already loves them.
Christmas proves that God doesn’t stay far off — He came near and He stays near.
Pray:
God, thank You for being with me. Help me live in the reality of Your presence today — to rest when I’m weary, to speak when I’m afraid, and to love the people around me as You love them. Amen.
Talk About It:
When do you feel God’s presence most clearly—and when is it hardest to believe He’s near? How might remembering that He is Immanuel, God with us change the way you see ordinary moments and show up for others this week?
Worship:
Take a few minutes today to sit with this truth in song. Listen to Names by Elevation Worship. Search for Following Jesus Through the First Christmas on Spotify by Biltmore Church for the full playlist.
Scripture
About this Plan
During a season that often feels busy and stretched thin, we invite you to pause and remember what matters most: following Jesus. The birth of Christ is more than a story we tell in December. It's the beginning of our Savior's life on earth — and the pattern for our own life with Him. Our prayer is that these 25 days prepare your heart to celebrate His birth, deepen your walk with Him today, and stir your hope for His return. We’ve also created a companion worship playlist – search “Following Jesus Through the First Christmas” on Spotify to listen.
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We would like to thank Biltmore Church for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://biltmorechurch.com/
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