Immanuel God Is With Us

Last Sunday my husband Vandy preached a message at our church to help us prepare our hearts for this season. It was a simple but powerful reminder of what it means to live our lives in a way that reflects Christ. He encouraged us to love people intentionally, even the ones who misunderstand us or dislike us. He reminded us to reach out to our family and friends who do not yet know Christ and invite them to join us in the joy of celebrating Jesus. And he reminded us that we must shine as lights in a world that is becoming darker and more confused every day.

As he spoke, I found myself thinking about the meaning of this name that was given to Jesus.
Immanuel. God with us.
Not God far away.
Not God watching from a distance.
But God here. God near. God with us.

Those three words feel even more important today because the world is not calm. Many are hurting. Many nations are facing conflict. Many families feel fear, worry, or uncertainty. Even here in Cambodia we feel it. Even when the struggle is not at our doorstep, it is still close to our hearts.

And yet the message remains the same.
Immanuel. God is with us.

This truth does not change when problems arise. It does not fade when life becomes hard. It does not disappear when there are wars, disasters, conflicts, misunderstandings, or grief.
God stays.
God sees.
God walks with us.

That is what I want to reflect on today.

Jesus Is Present in Every Circumstance

During the sermon we were reminded that Jesus is at work in every season of our lives. Whether we are joyful or grieving, strong or weak, hopeful or afraid, He remains near. His presence does not depend on our situation. His nearness is not affected by the condition of the world. His faithfulness does not change because of the actions of nations or people.

Jesus is with us when we are in pain.
He is with us when we feel lost.
He is with us when we celebrate with joy.
He is with us when we experience peace.
He is with us when we see injustice and do not know what to do.

This is the wonder of Immanuel. We never walk alone.

The Reality of the Border Tensions

I did not expect that our reflections on God’s presence would become even more personal this week. Many of us in Cambodia have been following the news and the developments around the Thailand and Cambodia border. There was a moment when peace seemed possible. We hoped that tensions were calming down and that people living at the border could return to a normal life.

But then a devastating report came.

Out of nowhere, the Ta Krabey Temple, a protected site, was struck. People living near the area had to flee immediately for safety. Thai F sixteen aircraft flew over the Stung Bot roundabout in Poipet and later carried out a direct aerial attack, dropping bombs on Slor Kram village in Banteay Meanchey Province.

We may live in Phnom Penh, far from the border, yet the news traveled quickly and the fear was real. You could feel the worry spreading among the people. You could sense it in conversations, in messages, in the quiet pauses that come when uncertainty enters the heart.

One of my students, who lives close to the conflict area, messaged me in fear. He said he needed to go home quickly to help his family relocate to a safer place. His words carried the weight of responsibility, fear, and urgency.

The Khmer people are naturally gentle, humble, and peace loving. Many in the expat community often wonder why Thailand sees this small and kind nation as a threat.

It is painful to see the global media portray Cambodia as the aggressor, which is not true. Those who live here know the heart of the Cambodian people. They desire peace. They long for stability. They only want to live in safety and harmony with their neighbors.

When tragedies like this happen, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. It is easy to ask, Where is God in all of this
But the message of Matthew 1:23 reminds us again

He is here.
He is with us.
He is Immanuel.

Read my previous blog post:
👉 Cambodia and Thailand border dispute

What Does God With Us Truly Mean

It is a beautiful phrase that we often hear during Christmas. Sometimes we say it without thinking deeply about what it means.

God with us means that Jesus is not only the Savior who came two thousand years ago. He is the Savior who continues to walk with us today. He carries our burdens. He listens to our prayers. He meets us in our fears and gives us hope when everything seems uncertain.

God with us means that He is present when injustice happens.
He is present when nations rise against nations.
He is present when parents worry about their children.
He is present when young people fear for their future.
He is present when families need to relocate to stay safe.
He is present when our hearts break.
He is present when we run out of strength.
He is present when we celebrate, when we laugh, and when we rejoice.

God’s presence does not choose seasons.
He is equally near in sorrow and in joy.
In conflict and in peace.
In weakness and in strength.
In fear and in faith.

This is why we celebrate Christmas with hope. Not because the world is peaceful, but because God entered our world to bring peace to our hearts.

Five Reflections on Immanuel (God With Us)

Below are five reflections you can meditate on. They are simple and easy to understand. Let them remind you of God’s nearness today.

Reflection 1

God is with you when you are afraid

Fear comes in many forms. Fear of the unknown. Fear of danger. Fear for the safety of our family. Fear of the future.

But God does not leave us in our fear. He stands with us. He strengthens us. He whispers peace to our hearts even when our surroundings feel unsafe.

Immanuel means we never walk through fear alone.

Reflection 2

God is with you in moments of loss

When we lose loved ones, opportunities, relationships, or stability, the pain can feel too heavy. Yet Jesus carries that sorrow with us. He comforts us. He stays close to the brokenhearted.

Immanuel means God weeps with us and holds us gently.

Reflection 3

God is with you when you struggle with injustice

When we see wrong things happening around us and we feel powerless, God sees it too. He is a God of justice. He understands our anger, our frustration, and our confusion.

Immanuel means God stands on the side of truth.

Reflection 4

God is with you when you are joyful

Sometimes we forget this one. God is not only present in our tears. He also rejoices in our celebrations. Every blessing, every answered prayer, every moment of joy is a reminder of His kindness.

Immanuel means God delights in being close to us.

Reflection 5

God is with you to give you hope

Hope is not found in governments or nations. Hope is not found in peaceful seasons or successful plans. Hope is found in Christ alone. He lights our path and leads us through dark valleys.

Immanuel means hope is never far from us because Jesus is near.

Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus, 

Our Immanuel, we thank You for being with us.
Thank You for walking with us through fear, sadness, anger, and joy.
Thank You for Your presence that comforts, protects, and guides us.
We lift Cambodia, Thailand, and every family affected by conflict.
Bring peace. Bring justice. Bring healing.
Strengthen the hearts of those who are afraid.
Protect the innocent.
Give wisdom to leaders.
And remind us every day that You are near.
Help us shine Your light in this world.
Help us love people the way You love us.
Thank You for being God with us.

Amen.

Thank you for Praying with us,
The Hourngs! 💕🙏