Sermon Summary: With Us, Part 4: The Gift of Presence

Summary

In the hustle of Advent, our deepest longing isn’t for more gifts or gatherings, but for the comforting and life-changing presence of God. The Incarnation reveals that God did not remain distant or detached; He came Himself, entering our world as Immanuel—God with us. Jesus walked through the full range of human experience, offering us a Savior who truly understands our joys and sorrows. His presence didn’t end with His earthly life; through the Holy Spirit, He is with us always. Grasping this transforms our lives, replacing fear with confidence, loneliness with comfort, and anxiety with peace. This Advent, let’s not just remember that He came, but let’s seek, embrace, and rejoice in His ongoing presence, knowing we are never alone.

Big Idea

God’s presence in the Incarnation shows us that He is with us in every moment of life, and embracing His nearness fills us with lasting confidence, comfort, and peace.

Introduction

It’s the fourth Sunday of Advent. Christmas is almost here! Our hearts are brimming with anticipation, but for many of us, our calendars are overflowing.  Our to-do lists seem longer, but the days are shorter—just yesterday was the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Maybe you, like me, found yourself staring out the window at 4:30 PM, wondering why it already felt like bedtime. The air is cold, the stores are packed, and wrapping paper seems to multiply in the closet when you’re not looking.

Yet, we should ask what is the reason for all the hustle and bustle? Why do we do all of this? Whatever the reason, I tend to think it resides in the deeper recesses of our hearts. A longing for more than twinkling lights and peppermint lattes. We long for something—or rather, Someone—who can fill the empty spaces. We long for presence. Not just any presence, but the comforting, life-changing presence of God.

We’ve all experienced loneliness, right? Maybe everyone around you was laughing and talking, yet you felt like you didn’t quite belong. Or perhaps you’ve faced a hurt so deep or a challenge so overwhelming that you wondered if anyone could truly understand. That ache—that longing for someone who sees you, knows you, and stays with you—is universal.

The good news of Advent is that God didn’t stay distant, watching from afar. No, He came close. He wrapped Himself in human flesh and became Immanuel—God with us.

He Didn’t Send a Substitute—He Showed Up Himself

When humanity fell into sin and everything broke, God had countless ways He could have responded. He could have walked away, shrugged, and said, “Well, you made your bed, now lie in it.” He could have helped while keeping His distance, sending prophets or angels to deal with us while He stayed comfortably in heaven. But He didn’t.

Instead, He did something astonishing: He came Himself. The Creator entered His own creation—not as a distant ruler, but as a fragile, vulnerable baby. For instance, John 1:14 says it plainly: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.” Moreover, Matthew 1:23 reminds us: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”

And so, picture it: The King of the Universe didn’t send a press release or a team of diplomats. Imagine a monarch who hears his people are suffering. Instead of sending aid from a distance, he takes off his crown, puts on peasant clothes, and steps into the mess to live among them. He eats their food, bears their burdens, and fights for their safety.

I once read about a real king who did something similar. When his people came under attack, he didn’t just give orders—he put on his flight suit, climbed into a fighter jet, and led the defense himself. That’s what God did for us. He left His throne to rescue and protect us.

When you’re tempted to believe that God is distant or detached, remember He didn’t send a stand-in. He came personally. In your own life, reflect this commitment by showing up for others. Don’t just send well-wishes or advice; be present in their struggles and joys.

Perhaps our Lord’s compassionate involvement will stir you to reflect your gracious share in His nature by truly showing up for others. Imagine a friend who is going through a tough time—maybe they’ve lost a job, experienced a breakup, or are dealing with a health crisis. It’s easy to send a comforting text or offer vague words like, “Let me know if you need anything.” Sometimes, that’s entirely appropriate. But God’s example encourages us to go further in service to others. Show up with a meal. Sit with them in silence if they don’t have words. Let them know they don’t have to ask for your presence—it’s freely given.

In a professional setting, this could mean being present for a struggling colleague. Instead of simply offering advice, offer to help with a task, listen to their challenges over coffee, or step in to share the load when deadlines loom. Your willingness to be there reflects God’s unwavering commitment to us.

He’s Not Just With Us in the Good Times—He’s With Us At All Times

Jesus didn’t come just for the highlight reels of life. He didn’t attend the weddings and skip out on the funerals. He entered into every aspect of our human experience—joy, pain, laughter, and sorrow. The writer of Hebrews assures us: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses” (4:15). For this reason, Isaiah calls Him: “A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (53:3).

When life is going well, it’s easy to sense God’s presence. But when struggles hit—grief, disappointment, loneliness—it’s tempting to think He’s absent. In those moments, remind yourself: Jesus knows what it feels like to be misunderstood, rejected, and heartbroken. He’s not just aware of your suffering—He’s with you in it.

Think of a time you felt misunderstood or rejected, maybe at work or within your own family. Remember that Jesus experienced this too. Reflect on His companionship and let it comfort you. And when you see others struggling, be the kind of friend who stays. Attend the funeral, offer a shoulder to cry on, or check in regularly during their tough seasons.

In a corporate setting, this might look like supporting a coworker facing personal challenges. Perhaps someone is going through a divorce or dealing with a sick parent. Instead of avoiding awkward conversations, offer consistent, compassionate support. Your presence through their low points can be a profound reflection of God’s presence.

Have you ever felt misunderstood? Jesus did—by His own family. Have you faced rejection? He was rejected by those He came to save. Have you grieved a loss so deep it left you breathless? Jesus stood at Lazarus’s tomb and wept. Even on the cross, He cried out in agony as His Father turned away.

When you or your loved ones are going through tough times, remember that God’s presence doesn’t evaporate. He walks through the valleys with you. In your workplace or community, extend this same grace—don’t just celebrate victories; walk with others through their challenges too.

He’s Not Just Here for a Season—He’s Here to Stay

The Incarnation wasn’t a temporary visit. Jesus didn’t live, die, rise again, and say, “Alright, good luck with everything!” No, He promised to be with us always. Through His Holy Spirit, He is still present, active, and close. Jesus promised His disciples, “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). In John 14:16-17, He promised the Holy Spirit, who “dwells with you and will be in you.”

I remember a trip to New York City. After parking my car, I used my GPS to navigate the streets. Despite my phone’s best efforts, I still felt lost. A kind stranger pointed me in the right direction. I thanked them, assuming they’d leave. Instead, they said, “I’ll walk with you to make sure you get there.” And they did!

That’s a glimpse of God’s presence. He doesn’t just point the way—He walks with us.

God’s presence isn’t seasonal. In our personal and professional lives, let’s be steadfast friends, colleagues, and neighbors who walk with others for the long haul. Show up consistently, reflecting God’s enduring presence.

In your personal life, this means cultivating a daily awareness of God’s presence. When you wake up in the morning, before your feet hit the floor, remind yourself: “God is with me today.” When you face uncertainty at work, whisper a prayer: “Lord, guide me. I know You are here.” When you feel overwhelmed by parenting, caregiving, or personal struggles, pause and remember: He hasn’t left me. He’s walking with me.

Likewise, reflect this commitment by being a consistent presence for others. Think of the difference between a friend who checks in once during a crisis and one who continues to walk alongside you for months or years. Be the person who doesn’t disappear when the initial shock fades. Offer steady, faithful companionship.

At work, this could mean mentoring someone over the long haul, not just during their onboarding period. Walk with them through their learning curves and celebrate their growth. Your steady presence mirrors God’s ongoing, unwavering presence with us.

The Assurance of His Presence Gives Peace

When we truly grasp that God is with us, it changes everything. Fear loosens its grip. Loneliness is replaced by comfort. Anxiety meets peace. Paul asks rhetorically in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” The answer? No one - at least effectively. Likewise, David, a man of many sorrows, declares in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

I once hiked a mountain in Nevada with friends, including a Navy SEAL. As the sun set, I worried we wouldn’t make it back before dark. Then I realized, “Wait, I’m with a Navy SEAL. What am I worried about?” His presence changed everything.

How much more can we say this of our ultimate companion, Jesus? Whether you’re facing personal fears, family challenges, or workplace stress, remember: you’re never alone. Lean on His presence to find peace, and offer that same reassuring presence to others.

Think of a time you were deeply anxious—maybe a job interview, a tough conversation, or a health scare. Imagine what it would feel like to remember, in that moment, that God is with you. His presence brings a steady calm that the world can’t offer. Next time anxiety rises, breathe deeply and pray: “God, I know You are here. Your presence is my peace.”

When you’re supporting others, offer this peace by being a calming presence. Imagine a coworker panicking over a deadline or a friend facing an overwhelming challenge. Instead of jumping into “fix-it” mode, simply sit with them, offer a steady voice, and remind them they are not alone. Your calm presence can anchor them, reflecting the peace that God’s presence offers.

In a community context, create spaces of peace where people can feel safe. This might mean starting a support group, hosting a quiet evening of reflection, or simply being someone who others know they can turn to for reassurance and calm.

Seek and Enjoy His Presence This Advent

God didn’t come near just to be acknowledged once a year. He came so we could know Him, walk with Him, and enjoy His presence every day. This Advent, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let’s not just remember that He came—let’s rejoice that He is still with us.

Make it a habit to seek His presence. Spend a few quiet moments in prayer each morning, acknowledging that God is with you. Read Scripture not as a task to complete, but as a conversation with a God who is present and speaking to you. Pause during your day—whether at work, home, or running errands—and say, “Lord, I know You’re here.”

Invite God into every part of your life. When you’re facing a challenge at work, ask for His wisdom. When you’re enjoying a joyful moment with family or friends, thank Him for being part of it. When you’re tired or overwhelmed, lean on Him for strength.

Share this awareness with others. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to remember God’s presence in their lives. Sometimes, a simple reminder—“You’re not alone in this; God is with you”—can be the lifeline someone needs.

Let’s live like this is true. Walk through life with confidence and joy, knowing you are never alone.

Conclusion: A Prayer This Advent

Heavenly Father, thank You for coming close, for becoming Immanuel—God with us. Help us to seek Your presence more fully, know You more deeply, and rest in the assurance that You are always near. Fill our hearts with Your peace, and let us share Your presence with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.