Immanuel, God With Us: 4 Ways Jesus is Near This Advent Season
During the Christmas season, most of the world excitedly awaits family tradition and wonder. The twinkle of Christmas lights adorns windows and trees while anticipation fills the young and old alike. Nostalgic Christmas carols create a longing within us as we remember those we love and the familiar customs we hold near and dear to our hearts.
This season of Advent is so wonderous and reflective for many, but how do we navigate a time of anticipation and excitement when we are feeling anything but? Together, let’s explore four ways Jesus is near this Advent.
4 Ways Jesus is Near This Advent
Advent is a season of anticipation for the long-awaited Messiah, both when He came to earth as a baby and now, as we await His second coming. However, in the interim, we do have a Savior – Immanuel, God with us, who brings hope, peace, joy, and love to each and every circumstance of our lives.
The Hope of Jesus
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6, NIV
Did you know that regardless of what you are going through, Jesus offers a hope that only He can give? Isaiah 9:6 tells us we have a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. He will direct us in our hardships, miraculously change hearts, comfort us in our time of need, and instill a peace that passes all understanding.
The Peace of Jesus
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
The peace of heaven, or shalom, doesn’t simply mean the absence of conflict. When Jesus speaks of His perfect peace, He talks about complete wholeness. Dear one, whatever you are enduring this Advent season, Jesus is working on your behalf to heal and make whole the situation that grieves you.
The Joy of Jesus
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
As we trust God in our hardships, He will fill us with His perfect joy. This kind of joy strengthens our faith when we rely on His mercy and grace. So whether you are grieving a relationship, a circumstance, or just finding it difficult to experience joy this season, know that when we invite Jesus into our spaces, He will provide his everlasting joy.
The Love of Jesus
“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 NIV
Jesus, a baby born in a manger, came to earth not for His own purposes but because He loved us. It was through His birth, life, death, and resurrection that we were given the gift of freedom and eternal life. Daughter, regardless of what you are walking through this Christmas, you have a Savior who loves you, is with you, and will give you what you need for this season.
And as we await Christmas morning, reflecting on the beautiful gift of the Messiah, may you experience the fullness of His hope, peace, joy, and love.
Reflection Questions for Spiritual Growth:
- Where in your life are you finding it hard to experience Jesus’ hope, peace, joy, or love?
- Looking back on Christmases past, where has God revealed His faithfulness?
- Which description of Jesus means the most to you: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, or Prince of Peace? Why do you think that is?
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