Day One · Immanuel

Pause

…and they shall call his name Immanuel, which translated means, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23

Listen to the sounds around you as you quiet your body.
Slowly let each one slip away.

Seek the face of Jesus,
who is nearer than you can ever imagine.
Wait before Him.
He is here.

Ponder

Prefer to listen? Take a quiet moment and press play below.

“For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
‘I will live in them and walk among them.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.’”
— 2 Corinthians 6:16

Made in God’s image--
we crave community.
This ache isn’t a flaw—it’s design.

God’s story has always been relational.
See Him walking in the garden
in the cool of evening, calling Adam and Eve.
“Where are you?”

See God choosing a people to carry His name,
drawing near again and again
as they turn away...indifferent.

Hear the prophets pleading on God’s behalf.
Listen as they promise that One will come
to make all things new.
Isaiah called Him Immanuel…God with us.

The exalted Christ
who dwells outside of time and space,
is with us, in us--
His presence, our holy privilege.

One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’
But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me...”
The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses,
and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”
Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.
How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people--
if you don’t go with us?
For your presence among us sets your people and me apart
from all other people on the earth.”
— Exodus 33:12–16, selected

Immanuel...God with us.
This is what sets us apart.
Not His gifts--
nor His provision.
Simply His presence.

Read the passage again and look for
a word,
an image,
or a phrase
that moves you.

Hold what you have received as you consider--
He is with you now.

Pray

Immanuel came…
and He comes…today and every day.
Open your heart--
His presence is enough.

Jesus,
You are Immanuel,
God with me.
Teach me to savor your presence,
to let go of lesser loves,
to honor the wonder that you are here.

Practicing Worship

Quietly consider His Name—Immanuel.
Muse on it.
Ponder it.
Let it rest upon you.

Ask Immanuel to come afresh
and make His presence real for you today.
Wait in awe-filled silence before Him.

If your mind wanders, place your hands over your heart.
Breathe in as you whisper: Immanuel, You are near.
Breathe out and say: Immanuel, You are here.

Worship Immanuel, God with us.

When you are ready,

Continue to Day Two →