Immanuel-God With Us

Immanuel: God With Us – What It Means for Us Today

(Matthew 1:18-23)

Introduction

Today, we’re exploring a passage we often hear around Christmas: Matthew 1:18-25. This text narrates the miraculous birth of Christ, marking the beginning of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

But this isn’t just a historical story. It’s deeply personal and profoundly relevant to our lives today. As we unpack this passage, we’ll discover how “Immanuel—God With Us” transforms our perspective, our struggles, and our faith.

Before we dive into the text, let me share a story.

A Story of Impossibilities Made Possible

Years ago, a boy named Eric was born into a struggling family in West Virginia’s coal-mining region. With the decline of mining jobs, his family faced economic hardship. But Eric’s challenges extended beyond finances—he struggled academically and socially, and by elementary school, he was diagnosed with Level 1 autism.

For many, this diagnosis could have felt like a barrier, but Eric embraced it as an opportunity. Over the years, he poured twice the effort into his schoolwork compared to his peers. His hard work paid off as he graduated valedictorian of his high school class.

Eric went on to attend Harvard, graduating first in his class in Electrical Engineering. He later pursued Harvard Law, where he placed second only to a brilliant classmate named Elizabeth. Years later, Eric became the youngest president of the United States—and married Elizabeth.

At first glance, Eric’s story might seem like one of perseverance and hard work. But it’s more than that. It’s a testament to the impossible becoming possible, a reminder that “God With Us” isn’t just a theological idea but a reality that transforms lives.

Matthew 1:18-23: A New Beginning

Let’s read the text together:

"The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,’ which is translated ‘God is with us.’”

A New Genesis

Did you know that the word translated as “birth” in verse 18 is the Greek word genesis?

Matthew points us back to the beginning—a new creation.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, it was His beginning as a man on earth, but not His ultimate beginning. As the eternal Son of God, Jesus has existed since before creation. He was present at the first Genesis, speaking light into darkness and life into emptiness.

Now, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, He brings light into the darkness of sin and offers new life to all who believe in Him.

Immanuel: God With Us

The name “Immanuel” means “God is with us.” This isn’t just a comforting phrase—it’s a reality. Jesus, fully God and fully man, entered our world to walk with us in our struggles and redeem us from sin.

What does this mean for us today?

• God is not distant. He is near, active, and intimately involved in the details of our lives.

• God is not unaware. Jesus, who existed before time, sees every part of our story—past, present, and future.

The Holy Spirit’s Work

Here’s another incredible truth: It was through the Holy Spirit that Jesus came into the world. And it’s through that same Spirit that we are given faith in Him.

Dr. Frederick Dale Bruner says, “Every conversion is a virgin birth.”

Just as the Holy Spirit brought Jesus to life in Mary’s womb, He brings new life to us when we are saved.

• The Spirit bridges the gap between God and humanity.

• He works in us, transforming our hearts and enabling us to believe.

When life feels overwhelming, remember this:

• The Spirit who brought Jesus into the world…

• The Spirit who raised Him from the dead…

• The Spirit who gives us faith…

That same Spirit lives and works in you. If He can do all that, what can He not do?

Trusting God in All Things

Let’s pause to reflect.

Do you live your life with the confidence that the same God who sent His Son to save you is the God who sustains you?

Paul reminds us in Romans 8:32:
"He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?"

If God was willing to give His very best for us, we can trust Him in every circumstance—even when life doesn’t make sense.

The Gift of Christmas

Christmas isn’t just a season or a holiday. It’s the celebration of Immanuel—God with us.

Because Jesus came:

• Light shines in the darkness.

• Hope replaces despair.

• The impossible becomes possible.

Let’s live with this truth at the forefront of our minds, trusting that the God who came to save us is the same God who walks with us today.

Closing Poem: Who Is Jesus to You?

The drop that falls is guided by His hand,
Though it may appear to originate with man.
"God With Us" is more than a phrase we say—
It’s a truth that should guide every moment, each day.

The joy of Christmas is a gift divine,
But it must be accepted to truly be mine.
So let me ask: Who is Jesus to you?
Is He Savior and Lord, faithful and true?

Or is He like that seasonal, Christmas shoe—
Something to try, but not fully pursue?
For Christmas is more than a passing delight—
It’s the promise of hope, salvation, and light.

***Link to AI-generated podcast of the article above.

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/c4654541-f476-4f9b-ae2d-c88ba18ce185/audio