Immanuel: God Is With Us

Summary

On the Sunday before Christmas, the preacher opens with the joyful greeting "Christ is born" and reminds the congregation that two thousand years ago Jesus came into the world for each of us, so that we could have eternal life. Beginning from 1 Corinthians 15, he calls the church to stand firm in the same gospel they once received and to keep their hope anchored in it through every season of life.

Drawing on Isaiah 7:14, he lifts up the name Immanuel - God with us - and asks a searching question: do you actually feel that God is near you? The real sign of Christ's birth, he says, is not only the historical event but Christ being born personally in your heart, your family, and your church. And the God who came so close never abandons us; people walk away from Him, but He never walks away from them.

From Mary's story in Luke he draws two truths: that nothing is impossible with God, and that the right response is humble worship, "My soul magnifies the Lord." He urges believers to come to Jesus, the Bread of Life, not only in trouble but also in joy, and closes with 1 John 2:28: abide in Christ now so that we will not be ashamed when He appears. He was born, He is alive, and He is coming again.

Key Points

• "Christ is born" is good news meant for you personally, not just a date in history.
• Stand firm in the gospel you received and keep your hope anchored in it.
• Immanuel means "God with us" - ask honestly whether you sense His nearness.
• God never abandons us; we are the ones who drift away from Him.
• With God nothing is impossible, so respond like Mary, with humble and joyful worship.
• Come to Jesus, the Bread of Life, in your joys as readily as in your troubles.
• Abide in Christ today so His return finds you confident and unashamed.