December draws our hearts toward the wonder and warmth of Emmanuel. God with us. We hear the name in beloved Christmas hymns, see it written in glowing gold on cards, and read it in the ancient promises of Scripture. But Emmanuel is far more than a beautiful word or a seasonal reminder. It is the steady truth that carries us through every breath of motherhood.
Because if motherhood teaches us anything, it is this: we were never meant to do it alone. Whether we are rocking newborns in the quiet hours of dawn, navigating the emotional tides of adolescence, or praying fervently for our adult children and grandchildren, every season reveals our deep need for the presence of God. And the good news, the life-changing truth, is that Emmanuel is not distant. He is not abstract. He is not far off.
He is with us.
As believers, He dwells in us.
He walks beside us through every joy, every worry, every transition, and every moment of motherhood
Scripture speaks to this tender reality:
“Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:10
This is Emmanuel, steady and near.
Motherhood Doesn’t End—A Grandmother’s Perspective
When I first became a mother, I believed that the intensity of this calling would ease with time. And in some ways it does. You don’t chase toddlers or navigate carpools forever. The lunch boxes go away, the nightly homework battles fade, and the season shifts.
But what I never expected was that my heart would remain just as tender, just as invested, just as prayerful. That motherhood would continue to stretch me, humble me, and bless me long after my children grew up and left home.
Even now, as a grandmother, I carry my children close in prayer every single day. It brings me deep comfort and purpose. When a week or two goes by and I haven’t heard from one of them, I gently reach out, not to intrude or control, but simply to ask, “How can I pray for you today?” Those words open space, communicate love, and let my kids know I’m here.
And let me tell you: listening quietly is still one of the hardest disciplines for me. I have years of experience, wisdom, and perspective and the urge to give advice is strong. But I’m learning that uninvited advice often sounds like criticism. Adult children want support, not steering.
So many times, I silently remind myself in conversation,
“Keep your mouth shut. Listen. Just listen.”
James describes this posture so well:
“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
James 1:19
And this is where Emmanuel becomes real, because reigning in my tongue is not natural for me. But knowing the Holy Spirit is with me every minute gives me strength to speak gently, listen well, and love with humility.
Motherhood may shift and evolve, but it never ends. And neither does God’s faithful presence.
Why His Presence Changes Everything
We cannot be godly mothers on our own strength.
Every season of motherhood requires far more grace, wisdom, patience, and peace than we naturally possess.
But Emmanuel transforms us from the inside out.
- When we feel irritated, He breathes kindness into our responses.
- When we’re stretched thin, He gives patience beyond what we can muster.
- When love feels hard, He anchors us in His supernatural love.
- When worry rises, His peace steadies our thoughts.
- When pride pushes us toward being “right,” He leads us toward humility and restoration.
Motherhood is full of moments that require us to bend instead of break, forgive instead of blame, repair instead of retreat. Every one of those moments is ultimately an invitation to lean into Emmanuel, God with us, who empowers us to love like He loves.
This is the work of the Spirit within us:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
Galatians 5:22–23
We don’t create this fruit. He does.
He is not just the God of the Christmas story.
He is the God of our everyday moments.
Emmanuel on quiet mornings and Emmanuel in chaotic afternoons.
His presence is the miracle that transforms our motherhood from striving into surrender.
Starting Our Day With Emmanuel
One of the most life-giving rhythms we can cultivate is simply beginning our day with the Lord. Not out of obligation, but because His presence centers us.
When we read His Word, we give the Spirit something to echo throughout our day.
When we surrender our schedule to Him, anxiety loosens its grip.
When we ask Him to guide us, we feel less pressure to perform or control.
And then we pray throughout the day.
Scripture calls us to this simple rhythm:
“Pray without ceasing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
It’s not about praying perfectly.
It’s about staying connected.
Some prayers are whispered while folding laundry.
Some are breathed through tears.
Some are spoken at stoplights.
Some are silent pleas for wisdom in a hard conversation.
Some are prayers for our children the moment God brings them to mind.
And some are prayers with our children, no matter their age.
The more we open our hearts to Emmanuel, the more we recognize His gentle leadership in every moment of motherhood.
He Is With You—Right Now, Right Where You Are
Wherever you are this December, joyful, weary, overwhelmed, hopeful, lonely, or in transition know this with certainty:
Emmanuel is with you.
He is with you in the warm glow of Christmas lights and in the quiet ache of unmet expectations.
He is with you in the tender moments and in the messy, complicated ones.
He is with you in your hopes, in your fears, in your prayers, and in your motherhood.
He is with you when you mess up and when you begin again.
He is with you when you forgive and when you’re learning how to.
He is with you when you’re confident and when you feel like you’re failing.
His presence is steady.
His love is constant.
His faithfulness does not waver.
A Gentle Invitation
As we move through December, I want to gently invite you to lean deeply into the truth of Emmanuel. God with us:
Let His nearness still your anxious thoughts.
Let His Spirit guide your words, soften your reactions, and shape your character.
Let His peace settle over your home.
Let His love transform your motherhood from the inside out.
This is the miracle of Christmas.
This is the beauty of motherhood.
This is the gift we carry with us not just in December, but in every season of our lives.
If you would like more conversation and ideas on how you can “lean deeply into the truth of Emmanuel” this advent season, please listen to the Spotify podcast below with Candace Nassar, MomQ founder, and Katie Trent.They discuss sanity saving tips to make Christmas more meaningful for families, focusing on the significance of Advent, incorporating family traditions, and overcoming holiday overwhelm. They also share practical tips for parents to engage their children in faith-building activities and emphasize the importance of building strong relationships within the family during this holiday season.