Among Us
My family and I spent the evening decorating our home for Christmas. It’s one of those traditions that’s a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and a little chaos. This year, we bought a fresh tree from Menards for $60, and it smells amazing—it fills the house with that classic pine scent that instantly makes everything feel like Christmas. Venessa added her touch with a festive candle she picked up from Bath & Body Works, layering the house with warm holiday aromas.
We had a Spotify playlist going in the background, shared by some friends earlier this evening, with a mix of classic carols and some new songs we hadn’t heard before. It’s always fun to discover something fresh while singing along to old favorites.
My job, as usual, was to untangle the Christmas lights and make sure our high-tech, app-controlled lights were working. It’s not the most exciting task, but there’s something satisfying about seeing the tree light up once everything is in place. Of course, now that everyone in the family has access to the app, I’m fully expecting Hailey to mess with the settings and turn the tree into a blinking strobe light just to see how much she can get away with.
As we finished decorating and stepped back to admire the tree, I reflected on why this tradition matters. Yes, it’s fun, but also a reminder of something deeper: Immanuel—God with us.
Earlier this year, I heard a story on Life 97.3, our local Christian radio station, that resonated with me. Someone shared about going through a difficult season of health challenges. They talked about how far away God felt during that time and the loneliness they experienced.
But what struck me was their realization that God had never left them. They shared how, over time, they released their fears and struggles to Him and found peace in the truth of His presence. That testimony stuck with me and inspired our church’s Advent theme this year: Among Us.
It’s a reminder that no matter what we’re going through, God isn’t distant or far removed. He is with us—walking alongside us in the everyday moments, whether they’re joyful, challenging, or somewhere in between.
The Bible is filled with stories of God being near, but one that always stands out to me is the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19.
Elijah was exhausted, overwhelmed, and ready to give up. After a big spiritual victory, he fled to the wilderness, feeling completely alone and defeated. He even prayed for God to take his life.
But God didn’t abandon Elijah in his despair. Instead, He met him exactly where he was. First, He provided for Elijah’s physical needs by sending an angel with food and water. Then, He invited Elijah to a mountain, where He revealed His presence—not in the powerful wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a gentle whisper.
That whisper was a reminder that God is always near, even when life feels overwhelming. Sometimes, His presence isn’t loud or obvious, but it’s steady and constant, meeting us in exactly the way we need.
What can I do to experience God this Advent season?
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Maybe one thing we can do this Advent season is to pause and let God interrupt our busyness. Instead of rushing to the next thing, we can take a moment to acknowledge His presence right where we are. Whether it’s a quiet moment during a drive, a breath before a family meal, or even in the middle of chaos, we can stop and remind ourselves: God is here.
This Advent, let’s remember that God is truly among us. He’s not far away or uninvolved—He’s right here, walking with us through every part of life.
Where do you see God among us today? Let’s keep that question close as we prepare to celebrate the greatest gift of all.