CHRISTMAS 2025 – GOD WITH US
By Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph
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Dear reader, it is our joy to bring to you the word of God. As we celebrate Christmas, we remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. After Mary, His mother, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
An angel appeared to Joseph and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus.” This was done that it might be fulfilled what God had already said through the prophet, “Behold the virgin shall be with child and bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanuel.” Which is translated, “God with us.”
God was announcing, “I am no longer a distant God, a faraway God, a remote God, I am with you, always, fully, personally, permanently.” Many years before the birth of Jesus, during the reign of King Ahaz, fear dominated the nation as enemy armies threatened Jerusalem. At, this time of trouble and suffering, God spoke a promise of His presence for His people. This presence was fulfilled through Jesus. He is not just God around us, or God above us, but God with us.
Right from the beginning, God’s presence was always His plan. God was present with the first man on earth, Adam. God’s presence was with the children of Israel in the form of a pillar of cloud and fire as they journeyed towards their promised land.
As we come together to celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that God is with us in our weaknesses, when we feel tired, exhausted, and burdened. He is not a God who is uncaring; He understands. He is with us in our journey of financial distress, emotional pain, and spiritual drought. He is our very present help in times of fear and attacks.
One time, a father was trying to get his fearful son to go to sleep. He said, “God is with you, son,” but the child replies, “I know that, but I want someone with skin on.” Jesus is God with skin on. He is the invisible expression of the visible God. Jesus touched people, forgave their sins, fed them, and healed them.
This Christmas, let me remind you that if you are hurting, Immanuel is with you. If you are afraid, He is with you; if you feel forgotten, He is still with you.
God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas with your families and friends.
Ps Suresh Dass Joseph
