The Miracle of ‘God with us.’
Matt. 1:18-23
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Today - I am thankful that ‘God is with us’. That He is our ever present helper.
1. Christmas is Miraculous: Christmas is for Miracles.
Miracle defined: An extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause. An effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.
A wonder; marvel.
Miracles are an absolutely essential element in Christianity.
-Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh.
-He indeed rose from the dead in bodily form, with the grave being empty and His appearance recognizable, then we are of all people, the most thankful.
-The miracle of grace is verifiable in the transformation of the life of the one who puts his faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
C.S. Lewis gives this definition, “A miracle is an interference with nature by supernatural power.”
One of the greatest miracles to have ever taken place was in Bethlehem a little over 2,000 years ago, when God interfered with the natural way of bringing children into this world through a virgin who gave birth to a child.
The Story of Jesus' birth was marked by angelic visitations, prophecies, dreams and miraculous signs. As we celebrate Christmas, remember that God's power is still at work in the earth today - still at work, still able, still active….
2. One of the most amazing truths is the fact that the almighty, the creator, redeemer, savior, healer, deliverer, prince of peace is: God with us.
Listen to God’s promises in light of Immanuel. God with Us.
To His people He has said..…
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
And Now, in light of the 1st Advent - He is with Us.
Heb. 13:5 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]
John 14:16-18 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
Jesus came. Immanuel: God is with us.
3. Jesus promises. God will be in you.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Obviously this is telling of the Wonders of the Incarnation when God took on flesh.
When God moves in us at the new birth, at salvation - He wants His word in us to take on flesh.
Col. 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Immanuel - God with Us desires to become God in Us.
So that we might….Live the life of Love, Pray bold prayers. Walk in Humility. Trust Him. Love fiercely. Be Faithful. Believe.
He is with us. And now as believers in Jesus….He is in us.
Let us remember the words of the Old Hymn:
Joy to the world
The Lord has come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven and nature sing
Prayer / Prepare Him room. Open your heart today to Jesus.
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