IMMANUEL

Matthew 1:18–25 CSB

The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 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.” When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.

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.

Main Idea: The present of Christmas is God’s presence.

Key Question: Do you sense God’s presence in your life today?

1. Immanuel is divine.

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.”

John 1:1 CSB

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

“I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51)

“I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

“I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7,9)

“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)

“I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14)

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

“I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5)

Colossians 2:9 CSB

For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ,

2. Immanuel is present.

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.”

“with” His humanity is essential!

John 1:14 CSB

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Luke 2:52 CSB

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.

Hebrews 4:15 CSB

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

1 Timothy 2:5–7 CSB

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

3. Immanuel is personal.

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.”

Matthew 28:20 CSB

teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Psalm 145:18 CSB

The Lord is near all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity.

Romans 8:38–39 CSB

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.