Emmanuel, God With Us

Scripture

Matthew 1:23 CSB

See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.”

Context

Our text for consideration references a prophecy made by the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament.

The prophecy found in In Isaiah 7:14 says:

Isaiah 7:14 CSB

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.

This prophecy is a promise from God that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a child, and that this child would be known as Immanuel, meaning "God with us."

In the context of Matthew's Gospel, this verse is part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing his lineage from Abraham to present him as the long-awaited Messiah.

It highlights Jesus' unique birth as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, as Jesus' mother, Mary, was a virgin who conceived through the Holy Spirit.

The name Immanuel has significant meaning, as it signifies that God has come to be with His people, taking on human form.

It reveals the incredible love and grace of God, who desires to dwell among humanity and bridge the gap between God and humankind.

As we prepare to celebrate this wonderful Christmas season, we are reminded today that:

1. Jesus Is Our Emmanuel

In a world filled with chaos, pain, and uncertainty, we have a Savior who chose to step down from His heavenly throne and enter our brokenness.

He came as a humble babe, born in a manger, to be near us, to dwell among us.

What a glorious truth!

Jesus is not a distant God, but a loving and compassionate God who desires to be intimately connected with each one of us.

Illustration

Imagine a mighty king, adorned with majestic robes and a crown, descending from his throne to walk among the beggars and the outcasts of society.

He does not shy away from their suffering, but instead, he embraces them, ministers to them, and brings them hope.

In the same way, my brothers and sisters, Jesus left the splendor of heaven to walk with us in our darkest valleys, to heal our wounded hearts, and to bring us everlasting life.

2. Reflecting His Character

As we celebrate the birth of our Emmanuel, let us remember that Jesus came not only to dwell with us but also to dwell in us.

He desires to transform our lives from the inside out, so that we may reflect and reveal His character to the world.

We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to love as He loved, to forgive as He forgave, and to extend grace and mercy to all.

Galatians 2:20 CSB

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

3. Reflecting His Light

Not only are we called live like Christ, we are called to reflect the light of Christ.

Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we are called to reflect the light of Jesus in this dark world.

When we allow Jesus to dwell in us, His light shines through us, illuminating the lives of those around us.

We become beacons of hope, peace, and love.

Our actions, our words, and our attitudes should mirror the character of our Emmanuel, drawing others closer to Him.

Illustration

Imagine a lighthouse standing tall amidst a stormy sea.

Its bright light pierces through the darkness, guiding lost ships to safety.

In the same way, we are called to be lighthouses, shining the light of Jesus in a world filled with despair and confusion.

We must stand firm in our faith, unwavering in our commitment to reflect His character, so that others may find their way to the Savior.

(Speak about what happens when we don't shine our light)

Closing

As I close, and as we celebrate the season we call Christmas, let us remember the true meaning of this glorious time of the year.

It is not about us, but its about Emmanuel, God with us.

Jesus came to dwell with us and in us, so that we may reflect and reveal His character to the world.

Let us embrace His presence in our lives, allowing His light to shine through us and impact those around us.

So Shine His Light!

Shine His Light in Your Home:  Show love, respect, and kindness to your family members and create a peaceful atmosphere.

Shine His Light in Your Workplace: Be a source of encouragement and support, building others up instead of tearing them down.

Shine His Light in Your Community:  Promote unity by embracing diversity and treating everyone with respect and dignity.

Shine His Light Online: Avoid spreading negativity, rumors, or engaging in harmful online behavior.

Shine His Light in Church: Be inclusive and welcoming to newcomers, making them feel valued and included.

Shine His Light in Your Relationships:  Treat others with love, kindness, and forgiveness, reflecting the unconditional love of God.

Shine His Light Through Acts of Kindness:  Offer assistance to those in need when the opportunity arises, be it offering a ride, helping carry groceries, or lending a helping hand.

Shine His Light through Generosity:  Share your blessings with others by providing for their needs

Shine His Light through Encouragement: Offer words of encouragement and support to friends, family, co-workers, and acquaintances.

Shine His Light through Gratitude: Express gratitude daily, acknowledging and appreciating the good things in your life.

Shine His Light through Forgiveness:  Extend grace to others' mistakes, promoting healing and growth in relationships.

Shine His Light through Humility:  Approach others with humility and a willingness to listen, valuing their perspectives and opinions.

Shine His Light through Joy: Choose joy in every situation, spreading happiness and positivity wherever you go.

Remember, shining your light is not about perfection but rather the intention of reflecting the love and grace of God to those around you.

So take his light and let it shine!

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Let it Shine, Let it Shine, Let It Shine

Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine. Let it Shine, Let it Shine, Let It Shine

Hide it under a bushel no, I'm gonna let it shine Let it Shine, Let it Shine, Let It Shine

Don't let Satan blow it out, I'm gonna let it shine Let it Shine, Let it Shine, Let It Shine

Let it shine till Jesus comes, I'm gonna let it shine Let it Shine, Let it Shine, Let It Shine

By intentionally living out our faith and embodying the teachings of Jesus, we can consistently shine His light wherever we go, positively affecting those around us and pointing them to the grace and love of God.