“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 (NIV)
The celebrations of Christmas are filled with joy and excitement. We sing carols, exchange gifts, and gather with loved ones. But beyond the festive trappings lies a truth that changes everything: Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. Today, as we reflect on John 1:14, we are invited to marvel at the wonder of the Incarnation—the Word becoming flesh, God stepping into our world, and living among us.
God Came Near
“The Word became flesh…”
This is the heart of Christmas: God Himself came near. In a world where so much is impersonal and distant, Jesus chose to be close, to be personal. The Creator of the universe didn’t remain detached or aloof. He became one of us—experiencing hunger, pain, joy, and sorrow. He laughed with friends, wept with those who mourned, and touched the untouchable. This wasn’t a temporary visit or a brief appearance. He became flesh. He lived our life, walked our streets, and felt our struggles. The term “Word” used by John connects us back to the beginning. In John 1:1, we read that the Word was with God and was God. Now, this same Word became human. The eternal, all-powerful God willingly wrapped Himself in fragile, human skin. Why? To rescue us, to restore us, and to reveal God’s heart of love.
Are you feeling distant from God today? Remember, Jesus didn’t come to keep His distance. He came near, right into our mess and brokenness. Invite Him into the corners of your life where you feel most alone. He understands, and He’s closer than you think.
Made His Dwelling Among Us
“…and made his dwelling among us.”
John’s choice of words here is beautiful. The phrase “made his dwelling” can be translated as “pitched his tent” or “tabernacled among us.” It’s a direct reference to the Old Testament tabernacle—the place where God’s presence dwelled among the Israelites in the wilderness. Just as God’s presence filled the tabernacle with His glory, His glory fills the person of Jesus Christ. In Jesus, God is no longer hidden behind a veil. He’s no longer a distant figure only accessible through priests and sacrifices. He’s right here with us, walking in our midst, sharing our lives. The God who led His people through the wilderness now leads us through our own wilderness seasons. He knows the pain of rejection, the weariness of long journeys, and the sorrow of loss. He isn’t a far-off deity; He’s the God who walks beside us every step of the way.
Where do you need God’s presence to dwell today? Is it in your family, your workplace, or a difficult relationship? Jesus has come to make His home with you. In you. Welcome Him into your heart, your home, and your struggles. He isn’t looking for perfection; He’s looking for an invitation.
The Glory of the One and Only Son
“We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
The shepherds saw His glory on a hillside, the wise men witnessed His glory beneath a star, and the disciples experienced His glory through His miracles. But the greatest display of His glory wasn’t a shining star or a mighty miracle. It was the humble, sacrificial love that led Him to the cross. John tells us that Jesus is full of grace and truth. He didn’t come to condemn but to save, to offer grace to the broken and truth to the searching. His glory isn’t a distant radiance that blinds us; it’s the tender light that draws us in. It’s the light of love that welcomes the outcast, forgives the sinner, and heals the brokenhearted.
Take a moment to reflect on how you’ve seen His glory in your own life. It might have been in a moment of answered prayer, in the comfort of His presence during a hard time, or in the joy of salvation. Thank Him for those glimpses of His glory, and ask Him to reveal even more of His grace and truth to you in the coming days.
Immanuel: God With Us
When we say Jesus is Immanuel, we’re declaring that God isn’t far away. He’s here. He’s with us in our joy and in our sorrow, in our triumphs and our trials. He isn’t watching from a distance; He’s holding us close. This is the miracle of Christmas: God came to be with us, and He remains with us today.
And it’s not just a seasonal promise. Jesus didn’t come as a temporary guest who leaves when the Christmas holidays are over. He’s a permanent, abiding presence. He promised, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Whether you’re celebrating on a mountaintop or crying out in the valley, He is Immanuel—God with us.
As the lights of Christmas fade and the decorations come down, hold on to this truth: Jesus is still with you. The gift of His presence isn’t just for Christmas Day; it’s for every day. As you prepare to enter a new year, carry the assurance that He is Immanuel. He’s with you in the ordinary and the extraordinary, in the silence and the noise, in the certainty and the unknown. Let this truth anchor your heart in the days ahead.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Thank You for being Immanuel, God with us. We praise You for the grace and truth You bring into our lives. Help us to live each day in the light of Your presence, trusting that You are with us in every moment. May we carry the joy of Christmas in our hearts all year long, knowing that You never leave us or forsake us. Fill us with Your glory, and help us to share Your love with those around us. Amen.