SGA Cozy Christmas — 12/5/2024 10:00 AM

Notes

Emmanuel: God With Us

The story of Jesus didn’t begin in a manger in Bethlehem; it began at creation. In Genesis 3:15, God gave humanity hope after the fall, promising a Savior who would crush Satan and restore what was broken. As the pages of Scripture unfold, we see the world waiting for the One who would fulfill this promise. Then, Matthew 1:1 opens with the greatest news of all: the Messiah had come.

Matthew highlights Jesus’ identity as both the Son of David and the Son of God. As the Son of David (2 Samuel 7), Jesus is the promised King, greater than any earthly ruler, who will reign forever. No human king could restore Jerusalem’s glory or lead God’s people into true freedom, but Jesus could. As the Son of God (Psalm 2), Jesus is divine, able to destroy evil and bring blessing to all who take refuge in Him.

The announcement of Jesus’ birth reveals even more about His mission. The angel declared that His name would be Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves," because He would save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). He is also called Emmanuel, "God with us," fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. This baby born to a humble couple is none other than Yahweh Himself, the God who hears our cries, sees our struggles, and came to dwell among us.

Jesus didn’t give up His deity to become human. Fully God and fully man, He experienced life as we do, facing temptation, suffering, and grief. Yet even as a humble baby, He was upholding the universe by the power of His word (Colossians 1:16–17). His humility and love are staggering. He didn’t come just to be with us but to die for us, providing His own life to pay the penalty for sin so that we wouldn’t have to.

This Christmas season, the message of Emmanuel is a call to worship and action. The God who holds all things together chose to come to us. He is worthy of wholehearted obedience and bold faith. Yahweh Nissi, the God who fights our battles, is the same Savior who walked among us.

Let’s respond to Jesus with gratitude and awe. Worship Him as the King of Kings, the Savior of the world, and the God who is with us. Share His name boldly and remember: Emmanuel is not just a name — it’s a promise fulfilled.