Read: 

John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Think: 

It all transpired in a single, unprecedented moment—the divine and the human converging. God took on human form, and divinity descended to walk among oblivious creatures. Imagine the Almighty as a tiny infant, heaven entrusting its most precious gift to the womb of an impoverished young girl. In humility, holiness found its home within a human frame, and the Creator of the universe was now in the process of being humanly developed. God, the source of all life, was granted eyes, ears, a nose, elbows, and a mouth. 

Jesus, the embodiment of God's love, was gently cradled in a manger made of straw, a bed shared with animals. Despite the stark simplicity of the setting, he came, nonetheless. God drew near, understanding the immense weight of his decision, but choosing to come anyway. Immanuel, "God with us," was his name, and it signified the beginning of a divine journey. In his choice to be born in a stable, he had, in essence, written "the end" at the very beginning, for it would lead from the manger to the cross. 

Apply: 

How can you live with a greater awareness of "God with us" in your daily life? Consider ways to make room for God's presence in your thoughts, actions, and relationships. 

Pray: 

Lord, we are encouraged by Jesus’ willingness to come to Earth, knowing the path would lead from the manger to the cross. Grant us the faith to trust in your divine plan even in the face of uncertainty. Help us to remember you are “with us” even when we don't feel it. In Jesus' name. Amen.