God With Us: Incarnation and Our True Self

One of the most staggering truths of Advent is found in a single name: Emmanuel, God with us. The God who spoke the universe into being chose to take on human flesh and dwell among His people. The incarnation is the mystery at the heart of Christmas—God did not remain distant, but came close.

John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” In Christ, God did not simply appear as human—He became human. He entered our weakness, our need, and even our suffering. And by doing so, He redeemed what it means to be human.

The incarnation changes not just history, but also our identity. If Christ truly came as “God with us,” then He knows us more intimately than we know ourselves. He understands our fears, our temptations, our longings. And He invites us to find our truest self in Him—not in our accomplishments, our failures, or our circumstances, but in the One who became like us in order to save us.

This is why Advent matters so deeply. God did not wait for us to climb our way to Him—He came down to us. He took on flesh so that we could share in His life. And now, our identity is secure: we belong to the One who is both fully God and fully man, the Savior who is always with us.

As you reflect this week, consider these questions:

• How does the truth that God is with you bring comfort in this season?

• What does the incarnation reveal about your value and identity in Christ?

• How can you slow down this week to remember that Christ’s presence is your greatest gift?

Prayer for the Week:
Emmanuel, thank You for coming near. Thank You for stepping into our brokenness and taking on flesh so that we could know You. Teach me to rest in Your presence this Advent. Help me to see that my truest self is found in You, the God who is with us. Amen.

If you want to go deeper with us, pick up your copy of Not Overcome for Advent!