Lights twinkling on the tree and a growing assortment of mysterious presents tucked underneath. The excitement of unpacking our favorite ornaments to hang, each with its own special story. The scent of pine needles in the air and our whole family bunched up on the couch together, singing carols by candlelight.

A celebration of our Maker come near.

The air brimming with hope and the precious holy meaning of it all:

Emmanuel, God with us.

As I’ve grown older, the season’s gotten a bit muddled; it feels more commonplace.

But this one phrase sticks especially close each December, a constant refrain through life’s ups and downs.

Emmanuel, God with us.

Some years I’ve felt God’s nearness closer than anything.
I know it more than I know anything else:
Emmanuel, God with us.

Some years the commercial frenzy of the season overwhelms everything else and I secretly can’t wait for it to be over. But that’s okay, because it’s true every day of the year:
Emmanuel, God with us.

Some years my faith feels stale and God seems distant.
I hold tight to the promise:
Emmanuel, God with us.

Some years I’ve celebrated with friends and patients across the world.
I marvel at the gift of it and offer up my homesickness.
No matter where we’re from or what language we sing in:
Emmanuel, God with us.

This year I’m home and beyond thrilled to spend Christmas with my family.
I’m full of memories of other homes and questions about the future.
Emmanuel, God with us.

Remembering all the times I’ve cried out to God this year and he’s answered in ways I didn’t expect.
Thankful he always meets my needs even though I doubt him time and time again.
Thankful he sees, he hears, he cares.