Donate
Back to devotions

God comes near

‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel’ (Matthew 1:23, ESV)

Advent begins in the shadows of longing. For centuries, God’s people had waited for the promised Messiah, a Saviour who would bring light into their darkness.

The prophets spoke of Him: ‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light’ (Isaiah 9:2). But as the years went by, hope seemed distant. Would a messiah still come and release them from their oppression?

Into the silence

Into this silence, an angel appeared to a young woman in Nazareth: ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you’ (Luke 1:28). Mary was confused and disturbed. How could she be the one chosen to carry the ‘Son of the Most High’? She was an ordinary girl from an obscure town, yet God chose her to bear His Son. In that moment, heaven broke into earth not with a fanfare, but with a quiet
promise. God was drawing near.

God with us

‘Immanuel.’ I don’t know about you, but I have always loved this name of God. The three most important words of Advent: ‘God with us’. The reassurance of a God who comes near. The wonder of a God incarnate who would walk in our shoes.

I often reflect on the thought that Jesus came as a baby, not as a fully grown adult. It shows such vulnerability and unhurriedness from a God who is willing to wait for His Son, the Saviour, to grow in stature and experience life as we do.

How incredible that we have a God who wants to be with us! Immanuel is not a distant promise, but a present reality.

‘To us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of His government and peace
there will be no end ‘
(Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV).

Isaiah reminds us that the weight of the world will be carried on the Saviour’s shoulders, rather than our own, and that everything we could ever need would be found in Immanuel.

He has come near

As we celebrate Advent, we remember that not everyone will enjoy gifts, carols and festive gatherings.

We remember the communities MAF serves in remote areas, cut off from basic healthcare or education. Some even have to worship in secret or keep their faith hidden.

Yet the message of Advent is for them too: God is with us, everywhere.

Through every flight, every delivery of medicine, or every pastor transported to an isolated village, we carry the hope of Immanuel to those who might otherwise feel forgotten.

Advent reminds us that God’s presence isn’t limited by geography or circumstance. He comes near, whether it’s in the jungle, on the mountainside, in the desert, or through His people, provision and presence.

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming near and being my ‘Immanuel.’ Help me to see Your presence when I need to wait and to trust Your promises in my uncertainty. Teach me to share Your love today, with those close to me and those far away who long for hope. Amen.

Response

Stay up to date
Donate today

About MAF UK

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is the world’s largest humanitarian air operator. For over 75 years we have been flying light aircraft over jungles, mountains, swamps and deserts. We enable more than 1,500 aid, development and mission organisations to bring medical care, emergency relief and long-term development. Our pilots and personnel deliver relief workers, doctors, pastors, school books, food, medicines - everything that can only be safely and speedily delivered by air. Our faithful supporters give and pray to make this all possible.

© 2025 / MAF UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and Scotland (SC039107)