Christmas: The God Who Dwells Among Us Series

CHRISTMAS: THE GOD WHO DWELLS AMONG US

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 1:14

Key Verse: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14

Supporting Texts: Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14; Exodus 25:8; Revelation 21:3; Hebrews 4:15

INTRODUCTION

Christmas is far more than a season of celebration, gifts, and family gatherings; it is the divine announcement that God has chosen to dwell with humanity. From eternity past, God desired fellowship with man, and at Christmas, that eternal desire became flesh. The birth of Jesus is heaven’s declaration that God is not distant, silent, or unconcerned about human suffering.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly expressed His desire to live among His people, yet sin created a barrier that separated man from God’s presence. The tabernacle, the temple, and the prophets all pointed to a greater reality that was yet to come. At Christmas, that reality arrived; not as a system, but as a Person.

The incarnation assures every troubled heart that God understands pain, weakness, temptation, and sorrow. Jesus did not shout salvation from heaven; He stepped into human history to walk our streets, feel our pain, and carry our burdens. Christmas is proof that God is present in every season of life.

1. GOD’S DESIRE HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO DWELL WITH MAN

From the beginning, God’s plan was not distance but relationship. The incarnation reveals the consistency of God’s heart towards humanity.

a) God walked with man in the beginning — God’s original design was intimate fellowship before sin disrupted it (Genesis 3:8).

b) God desired a dwelling place among Israel — The tabernacle was a shadow of God’s longing to live among His people (Exodus 25:8).

c) Sin could not cancel God’s intention — Though sin separated man from God, it did not change God’s plan (Isaiah 59:2).

d) Jesus fulfilled God’s dwelling promise — Christ is the ultimate expression of “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Biblical Example: God’s presence in the Tabernacle demonstrated His longing to remain among Israel despite their imperfections.

2. JESUS IS GOD’S ANSWER TO HUMAN SEPARATION

The incarnation was heaven’s solution to the problem of sin and separation between God and man.

a) The Word became flesh — God took on humanity to bridge the gap sin created (John 1:14).

b) Jesus revealed the Father fully — In Christ, humanity encountered the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).

c) Jesus experienced human weakness — He understands our struggles because He lived among us (Hebrews 4:15).

d) God’s presence brought grace and truth — Jesus carried divine mercy into human reality (John 1:17).

Biblical Example: Jesus dining with sinners showed God’s willingness to meet humanity where they are.

3. GOD WITH US MEANS GOD FOR US

The presence of God among men was not passive; it was redemptive, purposeful, and powerful.

a) His presence brings comfort in trouble — God does not abandon His people in hardship (Psalm 46:1).

b) His presence defeats fear — Knowing God is with us silences anxiety (Isaiah 41:10).

c) His presence restores hope — Christ’s birth ignited hope for a fallen world (Luke 2:10-11).

d) His presence secures our future — God dwelling with us guarantees eternal fellowship (Revelation 21:3).

Biblical Example: The angel’s announcement to the shepherds brought hope to ordinary people living under oppression.

4. GOD DWELLING AMONG US CALLS FOR A RESPONSE

The incarnation demands more than celebration; it requires faith, surrender, and obedience.

a) We must receive Him personally — God dwells only where He is welcomed (John 1:12).

b) We must reflect His presence daily — Christ in us should be evident in our conduct (Colossians 1:27).

c) We must carry His presence to others — Believers are now God’s dwelling place (1 Corinthians 3:16).

d) We must live as ambassadors of Christ — Our lives should reveal God to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Biblical Example: Mary’s obedience made her a vessel through which God entered the world.

CONCLUSION

Christmas is the greatest proof that God has not abandoned humanity. In Jesus, God stepped into time, embraced human frailty, and offered salvation wrapped in flesh. The God who dwells among us is the God who heals, restores, and redeems.

As we celebrate Christmas, we must go beyond songs and decorations to embrace the reality of Emmanuel: God with us. When God dwells in us, our lives become testimonies of His grace, power, and transforming presence.

This Christmas shall not pass without evidence. The God who dwells among us will manifest His presence in your life through undeniable testimonies. What seemed delayed will receive divine attention, what was broken will be restored, and what was silent will speak. You will testify that Emmanuel truly lives with you in power, in peace, and in victory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.