Though I was born into a Christian household and my parents were even pastors, my first and deepest heartbreak as a child arose from their rejection. First, my mom left. Then, my dad left. Physical and emotional abandonment by both my parents.  

Growing up, my deepest longing was for love and acceptance, and my sole ambition was to find a place where I truly belonged. In my quest to fill the voids in my life, I made numerous misguided decisions, seeking solace in all the wrong places. 

It was during these trying times that I found hope in Psalm 27:10 (CSB): “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me.” Something deep down in my soul continuously reminded me I was not alone.

Yet as a young woman, I was motivated by my independence and the desire to rewrite my own story, so I met a man and married young. My then-husband and I chose to have a baby right away —Jesus was never part of our plan. Shortly after, I faced more abandonment and rejection, and received the label “divorced single mom.”

I ran headfirst into the arms of the world, silencing the Lord’s call by choosing unhealthy friendships and behaviours, and drifting further away from Jesus with each passing day. I was dying inside, and no one knew it but me. I chose to live out my self-defined truth, to follow my heart, and to manifest all the things the world had to offer in hopes of finding happiness. I didn’t realize that these attempts to reclaim my life on my own terms were actually the very chains that kept me enslaved to sin.

But Jesus.

It was Jesus who met me in my despair, mess, and loneliness. He never abandoned me, never gave up, and rescued me by filling the void only He could fill. He stayed true to His Word and loved and cared for me when I couldn’t love or care for myself. 

I sit here years later, reflecting on a life that has been redeemed and entirely transformed, thanks to a God who has been with me since I drew my first breath — Immanuel.

The second half of Matthew chapter one recounts the story of Jesus’ birth. An angel reveals to Joseph that a child will be conceived by the Holy Spirit and instructs him to name the child Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins, fulfilling Isaiah’s  prophecy:

 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23 NIV

This is a passage you will likely hear if you attend a Christmas service or are in a faith space during this season. The story of Jesus’ birth is one of miracles, love, and hope for humanity. But today, my friend, I need you to know with all your heart, mind, and soul that Immanuel is God with YOU! Yes, you! It doesn’t matter how far you’ve strayed, how difficult life has become, or what mess you’re in — He is with you, for you, and cares for you too!

Christmas is about much more than just gifts under the tree, tasty foods, and a jolly man in a red suit offering temporary happiness. You know this, but are you living like it? Christmas is God’s promise fulfilled — the arrival of a Saviour not only for that special day but also for today. He is Immanuel. 

Our God’s love is steadfast, offers peace that surpasses all understanding, and gives hope in the midst of chaos. His love met me in my chaos two decades ago and keeps meeting me today. He wants to meet you, too.  

I invite you now to close your eyes in this moment and with the very breath He gives as a gift, speak out the name of Jesus over your circumstances, your family, your health, your present, and your future. Speak His name with faith. He keeps His promises, but we must actively surrender to His ways on this journey.

Today and forever, Jesus will be Immanuel, God with us.

 

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