Christmas is coming, and with it twinkling lights, warm drinks, gift lists, and often a lot of rushing around. For many of us, this season brings joy and excitement, but it might also feel overwhelming or lonely. Right in the middle of the noise is a simple reminder that can calm our hearts: God is with us.
That phrase isn’t just a nice thought for the holidays. It’s a truth that stretches far beyond December and changes how we see ourselves and the world around us. Long before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah said a child would come, and He would be called Emmanuel, which means God with us. That promise is still true today. Let’s look at what it really means and why it still matters.
God Came to Be With Us
Isaiah 7:14 says, “The Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive, give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel.” That promise was given hundreds of years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. People waited with hope, thinking about the moment when God would show up.
And He did.
God could have stayed far away. He could have waited until we cleaned up our mess or figured things out. Instead, He made the first move. He came close through Jesus. The name Emmanuel reminds us that God didn’t shout directions from the clouds. He showed up in person. He became one of us. He entered a world that was messy, tired, and hurting, just like it still is now. He didn’t wait for us to get to Him. He came to us.
Every week, Amarillo Fellowship Church meets together to celebrate that Jesus stepped in and became part of our story. Whether it’s through gathering for weekend services or coming together in small groups, everyone is reminded that God chose to be close, not distant.
Jesus Saves Us, Not Just Helps Us
When the angel spoke to Joseph in Matthew 1:21, he said that Mary would have a son and they should name Him Jesus, “because He will save His people from their sins.” That one sentence makes everything clear. Jesus didn’t come to be just a kind teacher or a helpful guide. He came to save.
Sometimes we think being a good person is enough. Maybe if we try harder, do better, or stay out of trouble, we’ll be okay. The truth is, we can’t fix our sin problem on our own. No matter how much effort we put in, we can’t clean up what’s broken inside us. That’s why Jesus came.
God’s forgiveness is a gift. It’s free, because there’s nothing we can do to earn it. It’s complete, because God doesn’t keep bringing up our past. It’s immediate, because He forgives us the moment we ask. That kind of grace is hard to imagine. But it’s real, and it’s offered to everyone.
At Amarillo Fellowship Church, this message is lived out in every gathering. Prayer and compassion are central, showing that following Jesus isn’t about being perfect but about being forgiven and set free.
God Is Still With Us Today
One of the most comforting parts about Emmanuel is knowing Jesus didn’t just show up once and leave. He promised to stay. We often hear people say, “God is near.” But there is something deeper about the idea of God with us.
Being near is like someone in the next room. Being with is different. Being with means being present, engaged, and caring. God isn’t far off waiting to be invited. He is close and walking with us through the ordinary and the tough moments.
Think about a tough day when you didn’t know what to do. Maybe you felt alone or lost. It’s easy to think that God isn’t there when we feel nothing at all. But our feelings don’t decide whether God is present. His promise does. God said He would never leave. He brings comfort when life is heavy, courage when we feel small, and peace even when things seem noisy or out of control.
God Is For Us, Always
Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” That isn’t just a question. It’s a strong truth to hold onto, even on the hard days when everything feels upside down.
Life is full of challenges. Some are big and some are small. When we understand that God is for us, the way we see our day-to-day life changes. He’s not just watching us from a distance. He works for our good. Things might not always go the way we hope, but He is still with us in all of it.
Try saying this out loud: God is for me. Let that truth soak in. No mistake, no sickness, no dark thought gets the last word. Knowing this changes how we move forward, even when we’re not sure what to expect.
Each week, Amarillo Fellowship Church provides a space for people of all ages to learn that God is not only present but also on their side, cheering them on through every moment.
Choose to Stay Connected
We live in a world where it’s easier than ever to stay connected. We have phones, texts, group chats, and social media. Even so, sometimes with all those ways to reach each other, we still feel lonely. The same can happen in our relationship with God. He’s always there, but sometimes we forget to answer when He knocks at the door.
Revelation 3:20 says, “Here I am. I stand at the door and knock.” God never pushes His way in. He waits for us to open the door. He wants to be part of our real, daily lives, not just during the holidays or on Sunday mornings.
Here are a few ways to stay connected with God:
– Pray or talk to God during the day, not just at bedtime
– Read the Bible, even just a little at a time
– Join with others who are following Him, because it’s easier to stay close when you have support
Amarillo Fellowship Church offers groups and Next Steps for people wanting more connection. Whether you’re new to faith or have questions, there are welcoming environments designed to help everyone grow and stay connected.
God is looking for real connection, not just quick check-ins. When we open the door, big changes start to happen in our hearts and lives.
A Gift That Keeps Giving
At Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up thinking about gifts. The most important gift, though, can’t be wrapped in paper or topped with a bow. God gave us His Son. Through Jesus, we have His presence, His peace, and His forgiveness. This is the kind of gift that keeps giving, no matter the day or the season.
Whatever you’re facing right now—whether it’s happiness, disappointment, excitement, or worry—the truth that God is with us can bring calm when things are busy, hope when things feel heavy, and real joy that isn’t tied to what’s happening around us.
This season is full of activity, but it’s really about remembering what matters most. God didn’t just come close for one moment. He came to stay. He’s still walking with us today.
Emmanuel changes everything. God keeps His promise every day, not just at Christmas. In every season, big or small, that truth makes all the difference.
You’re always welcome here—whether life feels joyful or heavy, you don’t have to walk through it alone. Come be part of a community that grows together, encourages one another, and lives out the hope of Jesus every day. There’s no better time to say yes to the gift of His presence. Join us at Amarillo Fellowship Church and see what it means to belong.