As the Day Begins
The promise of Emmanuel—“God with us”—is not merely a poetic expression reserved for Christmas liturgy, nor is it a fleeting moment in redemptive history that God later set aside. It is, rather, a decisive and eternal commitment made by God to humanity. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Matthew makes the meaning unmistakably clear when he writes, “They shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” (Matthew 1:23). What is often overlooked is that “with us” does not end at Bethlehem or Golgotha. The incarnation is not a temporary costume worn by the Son of God, but the permanent assumption of our human nature.
John’s Gospel deepens this mystery with simple but weighty words: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The Greek term sarx (σάρξ), translated “flesh,” does not soften the reality of embodiment. It emphasizes vulnerability, limitation, and mortality. God did not merely appear human; He became human. Richard Sibbes captures this enduring reality when he reminds us that Christ “took on him our nature, never to lay it aside again.” From birth to resurrection, from crucifixion to ascension, Jesus remains fully human. Paul affirms this ongoing mediation when he declares, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Not “the former man,” but the man—present tense, eternal reality.
This truth reshapes how we understand suffering, temptation, and hope. Hebrews assures us, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things” (Hebrews 2:14). Later, the writer adds, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15). The Greek word sympathēsai (συμπαθῆσαι) speaks of a shared experience, not distant observation. Christ’s humanity is the bridge by which divine mercy reaches human frailty. As this day begins, the believer does not walk alone, misunderstood, or unheard. Emmanuel is not only with us; He is like us, yet without sin, carrying our nature into heaven itself.
Triune Prayer
Heavenly Father,
As this day unfolds before me, I thank You for the wisdom and love displayed in sending Your Son not merely near to us, but fully into our condition. I am grateful that You did not rescue humanity from a distance, but entered our story with humility and purpose. Strengthen my faith today to trust that You understand my limits, my fears, and my needs. Help me to live with confidence that Your presence is not theoretical, but personal and active in every moment I face.
Jesus the Son,
I give thanks that You willingly took on my humanity and have never abandoned it. You were born, you lived, you suffered, you died, and you rose in the same nature I carry today. When temptation presses and weakness threatens to overwhelm me, remind me that You have walked this road before me. Teach me to follow Your example of obedience, endurance, and trust. Let the truth that You remain fully human in glory reshape how I face this day with courage and hope.
Holy Spirit,
I invite You to guide my thoughts, words, and actions today in light of Christ’s shared humanity. Make this truth living and active within me, not merely something I believe, but something I embody. Comfort me when I feel alone, convict me when I wander, and empower me to reflect the compassion of Jesus to others. Shape my heart so that Emmanuel’s presence is visible in how I live, love, and serve throughout this day.
Thought for the Day
Live today with confidence and humility, knowing that Jesus Christ carries your humanity with Him—even now—and understands every step you take.
Thank you for beginning your day in God’s presence.
For further reflection on the enduring meaning of the incarnation, see this article from The Gospel Coalition:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/incarnation-why-it-matters/
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