God With Us

Scripture

Isaiah 7:14 & Isaiah 9:6–7

Bottom Line

Christmas is the ultimate sign that God is with us.

Engage

When’s the last time you asked God for a sign? Maybe you were desperate for direction, or just wanted to know He was close. King Ahaz in Isaiah’s day asked for a sign — and God gave him one. But it wasn’t just for Ahaz. It was for us too.

Encounter

(Use a real Bible, open to Isaiah 7 and 9.) Read Isaiah 7:14. In context, King Ahaz faced a terrifying threat. God promised him deliverance: a child would be born, and before that child was old enough to know right from wrong, Ahaz’s enemies would be gone. That child was a reminder: God is with you, Ahaz.

But Isaiah doesn’t stop there. Turn to Isaiah 9:6–7. Suddenly, the prophecy goes beyond Ahaz’s day: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” This isn’t just a temporary sign. This is a forever King, called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The first child was a symbol. The second child is a Savior.

Reveal

Isaiah 7:14 was a promise for Ahaz in his crisis — but Matthew tells us it pointed to something far greater (Matthew 1:22–23). Jesus is the ultimate Immanuel. Not just a symbol of God’s presence, but God Himself taking on flesh. Christmas is not only about a baby being born; it’s about God moving into our neighborhood.

Empower

What does that mean for us this Christmas?

If God was with Ahaz in his fear, He is with you in yours.

If He came to be with us in Jesus, He’s not leaving you now.

Christmas proves once and for all: you are not alone.

So when you look at the manger this year, don’t just see a baby. See a sign. See your Savior. See Immanuel — God with us.