Scripture:
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” — Luke 2:16–19
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
Devotional:
The shepherds didn’t walk that night—they ran.
Their feet pounded against the dirt roads of Bethlehem, hearts still echoing the song of angels: “Glory to God in the highest.” And when they arrived, everything was still again. No choir. No glow. Just the sound of a baby breathing.
They found Him there—God, here.
The promise of the ages wrapped in human skin. The Word who once spoke the universe into being now resting against His mother’s chest. The Light of the world blinking beneath the stars He’d hung in place.
That’s what “God with us” really means.
Not that He watches from a distance, but that He stepped into our dust and our tears.
He knows hunger and loneliness, laughter and loss. He knows what it’s like to be one of us.
And in that tiny stable, love finally looked us in the eye.
The same God who thundered on Sinai now whispered through a newborn’s cry.
He came not to overwhelm, but to dwell—to share our story from the inside out.
Mary held Him close, her heart stretched wide with wonder. She didn’t rush to speak; she simply stayed near. Some moments are too holy for words.
Maybe tonight, that’s what God wants from us—not more striving or noise, but stillness.
To stop long enough to feel His presence in the ordinary.
To remember that the miracle of Christmas isn’t just that Jesus came; it’s that He stayed.
Love has come close. And He is still here.
Application:
Where do you need to remember that God is with you right now—in your waiting, your questions, your daily life?
Prayer:
Emmanuel, You are God with us. In my joy and in my weariness, You stay near. Let me slow down long enough to notice Your presence and treasure it. Amen.
Family Advent Activities
1. “God With Us" Handprint Ornaments
Use air-dry clay, salt dough, or oven-bake clay. Press each family member’s hand into a small round or heart-shaped piece. Before it hardens, use a toothpick or straw to make a small hole for hanging.
After it dries, paint the print and write “Emmanuel – God With Us” or the person’s name inside the palm. Thread with ribbon and hang it on the tree.
As you make them, talk about how God’s hands now hold ours — that “God with us” means He never lets go.
2. Nativity Stick Puppets
Cut out simple paper or felt shapes for Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, a sheep, and a star. Glue them onto craft sticks, then gather around to retell Luke 2 together.
Let everyone take a turn and end by saying together: “God is with us!”
Recipe Options:
1. Graham Cracker Nativity Snack
Give everyone a few graham crackers and a little frosting as “glue.” Build a small manger or stable on a plate using pretzels, mini marshmallows, or candy figures.
As you build, talk about how God made His home among us that night — not in a palace, but in a simple place.
2. “Prince of Peace" Cookies
Make sugar cookies using any shape you have — stars, crosses, hearts, or doves. Frost them white, then drizzle with a thin line of gold icing or edible glitter.
While decorating, say together: “Jesus, You are our Prince of Peace — God with us.”
