God With Us
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)
• • •
Merry Christmas, dear friends.
This morning, the world feels both ordinary and extraordinary. The sun rises, as it always does, but today it shines on a story that has shaped the hopes of humanity for over two thousand years. It is the story of a child, born to a poor and weary couple, in the humblest of places—a stable surrounded by animals and straw. A story of angels singing to shepherds, of wise men following a star, of love breaking into the world in the most unexpected way.
It’s easy to let this story fade into tradition, something we retell without really hearing. But if we listen closely, the Christmas story is more radical than we often realize. It’s the story of God choosing to come close—not as a king in a palace, but as a vulnerable child in need of shelter. It’s the story of God’s presence showing up in the ordinary and the overlooked, reminding us that holiness is woven into the fabric of our lives.
This child, born in Bethlehem, reminds us that God does not stand far off, waiting for us to reach upward. Instead, God comes to us, meets us where we are, and takes on the struggles of this world. God enters the mess and the beauty of being human to show us what love looks like up close—tender, compassionate, and fearless. As the theologian Madeleine L’Engle once wrote, “The birth of Christ was the most revolutionary event in history because it meant that God became one of us so that we might become more like God.”
And so, this Christmas, we pause to remember that Love has come. Love that is born not in wealth or power but in humility and hope. Love that calls us to draw near to one another, to care for the stranger, to welcome the vulnerable, and to believe that even in the darkest of times, light can break through.
May we let this story sink deeply into our hearts today. May we remember that God is with us—in our joy and our grief, in our questions and our celebrations. And may the wonder of Christmas awaken in us a renewed sense of hope, love, and courage as we step into the days ahead.
To my Jewish friends and readers, Hanukkah Sameach! May this be a beautiful and holy season.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What does it mean to you that God came into the world as a child—small, vulnerable, and full of possibility?
How is God inviting you to draw closer to others this Christmas, especially those in need of love and care?
Where do you see signs of hope and new beginnings in your life right now?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Christmas Day
God of Light,
On this holy day, we give thanks for the gift of Your presence among us.
You entered our world as a child,
Bringing hope to the weary, joy to the brokenhearted, and love to all.
Help us to carry this light into the world—
To be people of compassion, kindness, and peace.
May the miracle of Christmas stir our hearts
And remind us that we are never alone.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Holding Light
Today, take a few quiet moments to reflect on the light of Christmas. Light a candle as a symbol of Love’s presence in the world and in your life. Sit with its glow and let it remind you of the hope that this day brings.
As you reflect, offer a prayer for those who feel far from hope today—those who are grieving, lonely, or displaced. Ask God to be near to them and to show you how you might embody love and care in their lives.
Finally, carry the light with you as you go about your day. Whether through a phone call, a kind word, or an act of generosity, let this Christmas be a day where love is made visible. And may the light of this day linger long after the candles are blown out.
Merry Christmas, and may peace be with you.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 9, 2025, 12pm ET - What Does the TikTok Ban Mean for Churches, Faith Leaders, and Digital Ministry? Register here.
January 12, 2025, 3-4:30pm ET - Join me for a FREE conversation on “Progressive Islam – Universal Values vs. the Politics of Human Rights – What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Muslim and Other Muslims?” with Ani Zonneveld. Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
February 11, 2025 - Diana Butler Bass and I will be geeking out together in an online event about the state of the world (post-inauguration). We are still putting the details together. For now, mark your calendars.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
Recently, I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.