And they shall call his name Immanuel
(which means, God with us).
Matthew 1:23

There were a couple times, when our children were little, that we set up a tent in our living room during the Christmas season.

Kids love tents and forts and hideouts. Having one in the living room for a few days was a treat. But we had a bigger reason for pitching a tent. When the Bible says that God “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), the word used for “dwelt among us” literally means “to pitch a tent.” God came near. He moved into the neighborhood. He set up his tent in our midst. God did not just love and save us from afar.

I’ve often wondered how my life would be different if Jesus still lived with us physically. If his tent was permanently pitched in our living room, would it change the way I live? The choices I make?

Of course, the message of Christmas is that God is still with us. Jesus told His disciples before His crucifixion that He would never leave them or forsake them. “I am with you always,” He said (Matthew 28:20).

In the 17th century, a Carmelite monk who took the name Brother Lawrence wrote a devotional work he called Practicing the Presence of God. That title is a good reminder that God is with us, not to judge or condemn us, but to encourage, support, guide, and comfort. To give us strength and peace. When we practice His presence, and draw near to Him each day, He has promised He will draw near to us (James 4:8).

Prayer: Jesus, help me to remember today that you are with me. Help me to fix my eyes on you throughout the day. Help me to turn to you for strength and help and peace.