God, With Us In The Dark

Today’s Reflection

The hidden hope in the baby was in the best nickname ever: Immanuel, God with us, so bold, so true, so defiant in the face of darkness and terror.

—James C. Howell, And His Name Shall Be Called: An Advent Devotional (Upper Room Books, 2025)

Today’s Question

How does God’s presence with you make you bold in the face of darkness and terror? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel.—Isaiah 7:14 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God you are with us. You come to us exposed and vulnerable, but you still live with us in the dark, hollow, and terrifying places. We find our strength in your willingness to be weak with us. Give us the courage to share our own weakness with others. Amen.