Christmas reminds us of many beautiful things, but at the heart of the season is one powerful truth: Emmanuel — God with us. Not as a distant idea. Not as a seasonal slogan. But as a living, daily reality.

The story in Matthew 1:18–23 reveals that Emmanuel is more than a prophecy fulfilled; it is God choosing proximity. Through Jesus Christ, God stepped into our world, our storms, and our everyday lives. Emmanuel means we are never alone, and that truth changes everything.

Many of us turn to God only when options run out. But the sermon reminded us that God was never meant to be our last resort; He is our first response. When we are conscious of God’s presence, we don’t just survive life, we live victoriously.

God’s presence carries power, grace, peace, and testimony. Without awareness of that presence, it becomes difficult to draw from His power. But when we focus on Christ instead of the crisis, strength rises, hope is restored, and divine intervention follows.

One recurring truth from the message was simple but profound: whatever holds your attention determines your outcome. Storms are real, but so is God’s presence. In every storm, there are two realities, the challenge you see and the God who is with you.

The children of Israel learned this in Numbers 21:4–9. When they shifted their focus as instructed by God, healing flowed. The same principle applies today. When we pause, lift our eyes from the storm, and recognize Emmanuel, the power of God is released.

Here’s where it gets practical. When we live with the awareness of Emmanuel, we become the role model, not because life is perfect, but because our response is different.

Joy in adversity.
Peace in uncertainty.
Hope in chaos.

That kind of life stands out. People may not hear a sermon, but they see a life. Emmanuel empowers us to model faith, resilience, and confidence in God, even when circumstances are loud.

Emmanuel is not just a Christmas message; it’s a covenant reality. God is with you, in your home, your work, your waiting, and your winning.

This season, may we live aware, focused, and confident. Because when God is with you, situations don’t see you — they see His presence. And that presence makes all the difference.

An excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Segun Dada, on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Watch this sermon here