“‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.'”

Matthew 1:23

I beamed as I threw red and green wrapped chocolate candies on the table, listening to my first dose of Christmas music for the season. I couldn’t help it! Christmastime creates warmth and joy because it’s a celebration of Immanuel, God WITH us, and my heart almost bursts at the joy December stirs up. But here I was, in early November, breaking out my decorations and music to host a Bible study in preparation for all the season holds. My friend, Kim, and I danced around that place in preparation. My heart was full.

The ladies came and I shared the message God gave me, but the most amazing realization fell upon me that night. We broke for discussion several times and each time the words “God with us” echoed in my soul. Each lady entered the room with a different past, present, and future, yet, here they were in discussions of encountering the divine and people and ministry through the power of this “God with us.” They each had stories, some astounding stories, of their own encounters, and the room buzzed with testimonies, encouragement, and challenges. I felt the presence of God, not only in the moments of these discussions but in the very fibers of each one in attendance. God had been with these women, He was with them that night, and was going ahead of them to prepare ministry and victory for them and His glory!

Christmas is a great celebration of God entering humanity, but a woman who invites Him into her every day is the woman who understands Immanuel.  The buzz in the room on this night handed me the best gift, a rich reminder of the army of women in my community exercising gifts and challenging themselves to build the Kingdom right where I live. Watching these women share together with honesty and intentionality spurs me on to continue to teach God’s word with the same honesty and intentionality. In sharing this way, we offer each other a priceless gift and an excellent start to the most wonderful time of the year!