Christ Jesus Immanuel
Andy Nagahara
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us."
A. Waiting for the appearance of Christ (18)
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
1) The Messiah who has been much awaited (Lamentations 3:22-24)
(Lamentations 3:22-24) Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
2) The advent of Christ has been prophesied (Isaiah 7:14)
(Isaiah 7:14) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
B. Believe in Jesus as your Christ (19-22)
19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
1) Why do you need to believe in Jesus? (John 14:6)
(John 14:6) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
2) How do you believe in Jesus? (Romans 10:9)
(Romans 10:9) That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
C. Immanuel - The life walk with Jesus Christ (23)
23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us."
1) Immanuel？
2) Let's walk in Immanuel throughout your life
Summary
Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ. There is a reason why we are celebrating Christmas over 2000 years. Christmas is one of the most meaningful celebration along with Easter (for his Crucifixion and Resurrection) for us all. God established the day to give us the wonderful life with Jesus.
For Discussion
1) Why do you celebrate Christmas?
2) What dose Immanuel mean?