Emmanuel: God With Us

December 20, 2015

Matthew 1:18-23

Christmas is not about parties… family get-togethers… presents under a decorated tree. Christmas is about God and man. It is about salvation.

The meaning of Christmas is summed up in one word—“Emmanuel” — “God with us.” Without “Emmanuel” all you have is another worthless worldly holiday.

No one in the Bible actually called Jesus “Emmanuel.” The name “Emmanuel” is a name that describes who Jesus is. It is about the incarnation of Christ. Jesus is God manifested in the flesh (1 Tim. 3:16; Phil. 2:5-8).

Let’s break down the meaning of “Emmanuel” (“God…With…Us”) to see what these three words say about Jesus to us today.

I. “God” speaks of IDENTIFICATION.

There are some names that fit the people who have them:

There is a flower shop named “Bloom’s Flowers” in Albion, NY owned by the “Bloom” Family.
In Keller, TX there is a dentist named “Dr. Glenn Payne”.
In Norfolk, VA there is a funeral home named, “Graves Funeral Home” run by “Thomas Graves”.
A surgeon in a Wisconsin hospital is named “Dr. Hacker”
President Reagan’s White House Spokesman was “Larry Speakes.”
A butcher in Toronto is named, “Brad Slaughter”.
One college psychology textbook is written by “Edwin G. Boring.” (Better than a sleeping pill).
One psychiatrist in Durham, NC is named Dr. John Looney.
There is a pastor named Rev. Steve Rambler in York, PA
A urologist in Newport, Ky., is named “Dr. Leake.”

The name Emmanuel fits Jesus perfectly. Jesus Christ IS GOD!— He can’t be Emmanuel, God with us, unless he is virgin born.

A. His CLAIM to be God (John 10:30-33; 14:8-9).

B. His CONDUCT proved Him to be God.

1. Accepted worship as God (Mt. 4:10; Acts 10:25-26 cf. 14:33; John 9:38)

2. Forgave sins (Mk. 2:5-12).

C. He is CALLED God (John 1:1,14; 20:26-29; Rom.9:5; Titus 2:13; Heb. 2:8; 1 John 5:20).