Jesus is Immanuel, God with Us

We live in a world that celebrates independence. We try to do it all, fix it all, and prove that we’ve got it all together.But then life hits hard: relationships become complicated, work drains us, and we realize that no amount of self-help can fill the emptiness in our souls.

While life in biblical times looked different on the surface, God’s people wrestled with similar struggles. For example, Israel worshipped the Canaanite god of rain, just in case God didn’t come through. Jesus’ disciples panicked when a storm threatened their safety, even though Jesus was in the boat with them. Humanity has always struggled with trusting God.

This is the world Jesus stepped into.

He didn’t come as a powerful ruler or a “trending voice”. He came as a baby, fully human, completely dependent, crying in the arms of a teenage mother in a borrowed stable. The God who spoke galaxies into being chose weakness over strength, humility over power. He didn’t stay distant, observing our pain from afar. He entered into it, feeling it with us.

That’s what Immanuel means: God with us.

Not distant. Not impersonal. Not waiting for you to get your life together.

God with you — in your ordinary, chaotic, aching, beautiful life.

Around the world, Christians celebrate the ultimate act of love at Easter — Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. But His sacrifice didn’t begin on the cross; it began with His arrival. When He “made Himself nothing,” choosing to enter the world as a baby, Jesus gave up the privileges of heaven for the limitations of earth.

Jesus stepped into our story so that you and I would never have to walk alone. His presence transforms even the messiest parts of life into places where grace grows. His humility shows us that real love doesn’t seek control; it shows up with compassion.

Jesus has given us more than we deserve, and now He calls us to do the same by loving and serving others, even when it may cost us something. When we imitate God’s love like this, He promises that we’ll experience true joy.

This Christmas, pause to consider what it truly meant for Jesus to become Immanuel — God with us. He understands every part of the human experience, yet accomplished what we never could, so that we might spend eternity with Him.

You’ve been given that same invitation: to humbly serve and reflect His love to the world.

Let’s reflect

• Imagine giving up everything familiar and unfailing to become completely dependent. What would that feel like?
• What limit of Jesus’ human nature might have been most humbling for Him?
• Whose example of servant leadership inspires you? How can you follow their lead this week?

Let’s pray

"Thank You, Jesus, that You are Immanuel, God with us. You understand what it means to be human because You chose to live among us. Help me see opportunities to serve others and to follow Your example of humility. Thank You for becoming one of us and for Your sacrifice on the cross that gives me the gift of salvation. Amen."

Now, put your faith into action

Today, choose one person — a neighbor, coworker, classmate, or family member — and serve them in a sacrificial way.

Here are some ideas:

• Shovel their driveway or rake their leaves.
• Drop off a small care package or baked goods with a kind note.
• Invite someone to lunch or coffee and pay for their meal.

Whatever you do, share why you’re doing it:

“This season I’m celebrating Jesus, who came to serve and save. I wanted to [shovel your driveway | bring you a care package | share a meal] to remind you that you are deeply loved by Him.”

Before or after serving, take a moment to pray for that person, that they would know Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve and give His life for them.

Resources for sharing your faith

Christmas is a beautiful time to share Jesus—but really, every season is full of chances to grow and share your faith. At Cru, our desire is to help people know God personally, grow deeper in their faith, and confidently share Jesus with others.

If you would like additional tools and opportunities to deepen and share your faith, explore our Resources Page linked in the devotional.