Emmanuel - God With Us

How is your heart doing this Christmas season?  Frantic? Stressed? Peaceful? Rejoicing? 

This past Wednesday, we took time at our monthly gathering to center our hearts on Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.  If you weren't able to join us, we wanted to invite you to join us in accepting the peace God has waiting for us.

Set aside 15 minutes to abide in Christ.  Start with this video...

Read:
Isaiah 7:14 Prophecy about the birth of the Messiah, Emmanuel

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Matthew 1:18-25 The birth of Jesus the Messiah, Emmanuel

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet 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 conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

​John 14:15-20 Jesus promises the Holy Spirit- who is with us and in us now.

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

Revelation 21:1-3 God with us in the New Jerusalem

1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

God promised he would come down to us through the birth of His Son Jesus, Emmanuel.  His promise came true when God himself came down as a tiny baby to live in flesh here with us.  Jesus was crucified, died, and then defeated death by rising to life again. When he went back to heaven to sit next to God the Father, he didn't leave us alone.  We still have an advocate here with us always--His Holy Spirit living inside all who believe.  And, God promises to come again, and live WITH us for eternity!  
We are not alone.  God understands us, has amazing plans for us, and loves us beyond measure!

Consider these reflection questions:
What about this scripture is speaking to you?
How does the truth that “God is with us” encourage you?
During this Advent season, how will you respond to these Truths?  In what ways will you specifically worship God for sending his Son?
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Dear friends, as you abide in Christ and connect with your family and community this season, we wish you all the peace and joy that God has waiting for you.