Emmanuel: Celebrating God's Presence This Christmas

 

Summary

In reflecting on the divine night when the angels sang, we are reminded of the profound intersection between the earthly and the heavenly. This night was unlike any other, as it marked the moment when the supernatural became visible to humanity. The angels' song was not just a celestial performance but a declaration of God's eternal plan unfolding on Earth. This plan, promised since the beginning of time, was now being fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit. This was not an ordinary birth; it was the moment when God chose to dwell among us, Emmanuel, God with us.

The Christmas story is a reminder of the divine plan that has been in motion since creation. It is a story of God’s promise to deliver humanity from sin, a promise made to Adam and Eve, reiterated to Abraham, and fulfilled in Jesus. This divine plan transcends time, connecting the past, present, and future in a tapestry of redemption and hope. As we celebrate this holy night, we are invited to see beyond the physical and embrace the spiritual reality that God is with us and, through the Holy Spirit, in us.

This season, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In doing so, we align ourselves with the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, living lives that reflect the spiritual reality of God’s presence. The angels rejoiced at the birth of Jesus, and they continue to rejoice when we turn our hearts toward God. This Christmas, may we join with the angels in worship, recognizing the divine story we are part of and the eternal joy that awaits us.

Key Takeaways:

1. The divine night when angels sang marks the intersection of the earthly and heavenly realms, reminding us of the supernatural reality that often goes unseen. This moment was a fulfillment of God's eternal plan, a promise made since the beginning of time. [23:49]

2. The birth of Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit, signifies God’s presence among us, Emmanuel, God with us. This is not just a historical event but a present reality that invites us to experience God’s presence in our lives today. [26:49]

3. The Christmas story is a testament to God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It is a reminder that God’s plan transcends time and is intricately woven into the fabric of history, offering hope and redemption to all. [28:00]

4. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are called to live in the light of the spiritual reality that surrounds us. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly concerns to eternal truths, aligning us with the great cloud of witnesses. [37:06]

5. The angels' rejoicing at the birth of Jesus and at our repentance highlights the significance of our spiritual journey. Our decisions have eternal implications, and we are invited to join the heavenly chorus in worship and adoration. [39:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [23:12] - The Divine Night
- [24:10] - The Angelic Announcement
- [24:57] - Joseph's Encounter
- [26:49] - Emmanuel: God With Us
- [28:00] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [29:32] - The Mystery of God’s Presence
- [31:02] - The Indwelling Spirit
- [31:55] - The Eternal Perspective
- [33:23] - The True Meaning of Christmas
- [35:20] - Spiritual Realities
- [36:24] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
- [38:13] - Heaven’s Reaction
- [40:18] - The Shepherds’ Encounter
- [42:25] - Joining the Angels in Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 1:20-23
2. Hebrews 12:1-2
3. Luke 2:8-14

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 1:20-23, what message does the angel deliver to Joseph, and how does it relate to the fulfillment of prophecy? [27:29]

2. According to Hebrews 12:1-2, what are believers encouraged to do, and how does this relate to the concept of a "great cloud of witnesses"? [36:24]

3. In Luke 2:8-14, how do the shepherds react to the angelic announcement, and what is the significance of the message they receive? [41:00]

4. How does the sermon describe the connection between the earthly and heavenly realms during the divine night when the angels sang? [23:49]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the name "Emmanuel" signify in the context of the Christmas story, and how does it reflect God's plan for humanity? [29:32]

2. How does the concept of a "great cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews 12:1-2 encourage believers to live their faith? What might this look like in practical terms? [36:24]

3. The sermon mentions the angels' rejoicing at the birth of Jesus and at our repentance. What does this suggest about the spiritual significance of our personal decisions? [39:00]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the idea that the Christmas story is a testament to God's faithfulness and eternal plan? [28:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea of "God with us" (Emmanuel). How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life, especially during this Christmas season? [29:32]

2. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus. What specific distractions in your life might be hindering this focus, and how can you address them this week? [37:06]

3. The sermon highlights the angels' joy at our repentance. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to turn back to God? How can you take a step towards repentance today? [39:00]

4. Consider the "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned in Hebrews 12:1. Who in your life serves as a spiritual role model, and how can you emulate their faith journey? [36:24]

5. The Christmas story is a reminder of God's faithfulness. How can you share this message of hope and redemption with someone in your life who may need encouragement? [28:00]

6. The sermon invites us to join the angels in worship. What are some practical ways you can incorporate worship into your daily routine, beyond traditional church settings? [42:25]

7. Reflect on the eternal implications of your spiritual journey. How can you align your daily decisions with the eternal perspective presented in the sermon? [37:06]

Devotional

Day 1: The Intersection of Earthly and Heavenly Realms
The divine night when the angels sang marks a profound intersection between the earthly and heavenly realms. This moment was not just a celestial event but a fulfillment of God's eternal plan, a promise made since the beginning of time. The angels' song was a declaration of this plan unfolding on Earth, as the supernatural became visible to humanity. This night reminds us of the unseen supernatural reality that surrounds us, inviting us to recognize and embrace the spiritual dimensions of our lives. As we reflect on this divine night, we are encouraged to open our hearts to the presence of God and the fulfillment of His promises. [23:49]

Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV): "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."

Reflection: How can you become more aware of the supernatural reality in your daily life, and what steps can you take to align yourself with God's eternal plan today?


Day 2: Emmanuel: God With Us
The birth of Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit, signifies God's presence among us, Emmanuel, God with us. This event is not just a historical occurrence but a present reality that invites us to experience God's presence in our lives today. Jesus' birth was the moment when God chose to dwell among humanity, bridging the gap between the divine and the human. As we celebrate this reality, we are reminded that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, offering us His love, guidance, and peace. This Christmas, let us embrace the truth that God is with us and desires to be in relationship with us. [26:49]

Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."

Reflection: In what ways can you invite God's presence into your daily routine, and how might this change your perspective on the challenges you face?


Day 3: The Tapestry of Redemption and Hope
The Christmas story is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It is a reminder that God's plan transcends time and is intricately woven into the fabric of history, offering hope and redemption to all. From the promise made to Adam and Eve, reiterated to Abraham, and fulfilled in Jesus, we see a divine narrative that connects the past, present, and future. This story invites us to trust in God's faithfulness and to find hope in His redemptive plan. As we reflect on the Christmas story, let us be encouraged by the assurance that God's promises are true and that His plan for our lives is one of hope and redemption. [28:00]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's redemptive plan in your community, and what steps can you take to share the hope of the Christmas story with others?


Day 4: Living in the Light of Spiritual Reality
As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are called to live in the light of the spiritual reality that surrounds us. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly concerns to eternal truths, aligning us with the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, we are empowered to live lives that reflect the spiritual reality of God's presence. This Christmas, let us be intentional in aligning our lives with the eternal truths of God's kingdom, allowing His presence to guide and transform us. [37:06]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from earthly concerns to eternal truths, and how can this change impact your daily decisions and interactions?


Day 5: Joining the Heavenly Chorus in Worship
The angels' rejoicing at the birth of Jesus and at our repentance highlights the significance of our spiritual journey. Our decisions have eternal implications, and we are invited to join the heavenly chorus in worship and adoration. As we turn our hearts toward God, we align ourselves with the angels who continue to rejoice in His presence. This Christmas, let us join with the angels in worship, recognizing the divine story we are part of and the eternal joy that awaits us. May our lives be a reflection of the worship and adoration that fills the heavens. [39:00]

Revelation 5:11-12 (ESV): "Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!'"

Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily life, and in what ways can you join the heavenly chorus in celebrating God's presence and promises?

Quotes


Oh night divine I'm sitting there listening to that for the first time you know um probably the most beautiful rendition I've ever heard by thinking about the angel singing here the angels singing I mean I'm listening to these voices going gosh it's just so beautiful and the thought of this holy moment and this Divine night when what these people saw wasn't what they normally saw see most nights we have our human nights right fleshly nights where everything we see is flesh and blood nothing Supernatural but that night to see something Divine and to hear something Divine the the angels singing what in the world would it sound like to hear angels singing. [00:22:54]

Joseph in Matthew 1:20 it says but after he had considered this an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said Joseph son of David wait wa did I say did you guys hear what I said after he considered this an angel of the Lord appeared to him okay when I say that do you go okay get on with it Angel of the Lord appeared to him I know I've heard this ever since I was a kid an angel hold on a second an angel appeared to him okay what what what would what in the world would happen if tonight an angel an angel appeared to you it'd be the most exciting moment of your life right has anything beyond that happened to you during your lifetime than you actually seeing a Heavenly being okay this is huge see this is this is what I say we talk about the Christmas story so much and we saw little kids with wings you know on a stage earlier and that's all we think of but no stop for a moment and think wait Something Heavenly something Supernatural appeared to him an angel appears to him okay that would be the moment of your life. [00:25:07]

This is what's going on see what's going on on Earth is connecting with what's going on in heaven and suddenly now he sees an angel God is coming down to the Earth he appears to him in a dream and says Joseph son of David don't be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit okay this isn't a normal birth here this is not a normal child what is inside of her body actually came came from God himself God placed this child it was conceived of the Holy Spirit and that's been placed in your This Is Something Heavenly connecting with something Earthly you a human being now you're going to be called blessed because God is actually to come inside of you what is in conceived of you is of the Holy Spirit she'll give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins. [00:26:32]

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet the Virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel which means god with us see all this was going on why he says because this is in fulfillment of what the prophets have been talking about ever since God created this world ever since Adam and Eve he promised this deliverer was going to come Okay thousands of years beforehand God when he made the world he created the first people and they sit he goes look I'm making a promise to you there's going to come this one I'm not I'm not telling you everything he's just going to come he's going to come he's going to deliver you he's going to save you from your sin he promised Abraham look you're going to have this from your lineage is going to come this SE this one's going to come he's going to come and he's going to be a blessing to the world he goes this is this see all of that that's been going on for all of these hundreds thousands of years it's happening now when it's inside of your womb it's inside of Mary's womb what it's it's conceived of the Holy Spirit there's been this plan okay look beyond your lifetime think back thousands of years when God made the Earth he says there was a plan there was an eternal plan an eternal plan and then you were born you're in there for a little bit and this plan goes on and on and on and he goes you're about to see this huge part of this eternal divine plan it's fulfilled it's the Fulfillment of what was written hundreds of years before it happened it was promised it would happen and now it's going to happen and the angels are talking about it said you're going to name him Emanuel they're going to call him Emanuel you're going to call him Jesus because Jesus means saves he saves he's going to be called Emmanuel we're going to talk about and call him Emanuel because the word Emmanuel means god with us it's like are you kidding me God With Us no no no no God's in heaven and his ways are Beyond us they're way up there in heaven his thoughts are way up there no no no this is a Divine night this is a holy night because God is actually going to be on the earth with other human beings god with us and so people are going to call him God with us we're going to call him Emmanuel a holy night God is going to be with us see that was a that was a plan from the start in the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth in the beginning Adam and Eve were in the garden who else was in the garden God remember that God was in the garden and there was this beautiful way in the old test Testament in which God in a sense was in that holy of holies where the Ark of the Covenant in that Temple and in the Tabernacle there was a sense in which God was there in in the holy of holies separate from people you know he he was there though so God was there and yet he's saying No this is now God's really actually going to be with us he's going to be side by side with other human beings God With Us that's a crazy mystery and then Jesus goes wait till I leave cuz then God's actually going to be in you right now he's with you he goes but soon he's going to be in you and we've been talking about that Holy Spirit you see this is a divine plan that's been going on for centuries for thousands of years from eternity past God planned it this way and he's saying watch here's the moment all the angels are looking on now something divine's going on God's going to be with man and then Jesus says when I leave it's going to get even better CU God's going to be in you he was in the temple then he walked side by side with you on Earth and then he actually came and indwelt you and we're a part of this Divine story it's crazy around Christmas time a lot of people get sad and uh honestly sometimes I I get pretty sad around Christmas because I see so many people who miss it I get really sad for people um because it seems like in my life every week I see God more clearly I like him more you know just when I thought oh man what more can I learn about God what how much more could I like him and love him and then another week goes by and go man I like him more this week than I did I mean last weekend when we were having that time of confession and we were appealing to God's loving kindness and his his great love his unfailing love and his great compassion I just again I'm like gosh Lord I thought I knew your love and now I know it even more and every week I like him more and more and more and as I know him more and more and more I want want him more and more and I and I think about these Eternal things more and life just gets better and better and anticipation of being there and I get sad because I see other people fighting to stay on this earth like this is everything and they want this Earth more and more and more I'm like man every year I want this Earth less and I want him more and I want to encounter the Supernatural and it's it's sad for some of you who don't understand who he is and understand how much you could have in him and how great this Christmas story is that God would actually care enough to reach down to us it's an amazing thought and I I I know I kind of sarcastically joked in the beginning about oh yeah Heaven's really all in you know thrilled with my life and focused on my life like it's so exciting but that is the crazy thing about this story is they do care that God actually does care and he does notice my life I want to I want to do something right now I want you to think think beyond what you see on the stage right now because I know many of you believe in this room that there are spiritual things going on right now right the Bible says that there's Angels millions and millions of them the Bible also says there's demons and there's this spiritual warfare going on the Bible says there's this being on his throne up in heaven who's in charge of all of it and I want you to just not in a sacrilegious way but to somehow visualize that as much as the Bible describes it to imagine right now I wish we were outside we will be someday um but just to be able to just look up in the sky and to think gosh there's a lot more going on than what we see on this Earth and even in this room there's spiritual things going on that I don't totally get I just want you to meditate on that right now though try to think about that Hebrews 12:1 says therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses he go since we're surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let's throw off everything that hinders the sin that so easily entangles and let's run with perseverance the race marked out for us and let's fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross scorning at shame and sat down down at the right hand of the Throne of God he says let's take our eyes off of what's going on the earth and he goes let's fix our eyes on Jesus okay he he did that he came down in the earth he died on the cross he saved us from our sin all for the joy set before him that he could sit right there at the Throne of God and he goes and understand now there's this great cloud of witnesses and they do look on they do see what goes on down here and he goes would you fix your eyes on that so that you live your life how they they want you to think about the spiritual this year think about things from Heaven's perspective and not just your own see the amazing thing of the Christmas story is that the spiritual world what we can't see became visible to them and that's why it was a holy night and that's why it was divine I'm going to read one last passage and then we're going to join with the angels in singing to this God before I do that I I want to remind you that the Bible does talk about times when Heaven sees what goes on here in fact the Bible says that when one sinner repents that means when one person comes in this room or anywhere else on this Earth and recognizes you know what this isn't about me and I realize that I have done things that are offensive to this God and the the universe really does revolve around him and you realize I've offended him but I can be forgiven and I can repent I can turn from the way I was living and now follow God the Bible says when someone makes a decision like that it says the angels the Angels actually Rejoice isn't that a crazy thought that something you do on this little planet causes an eternal reaction a Heavenly reaction that you can't see but just by faith you go wow so when I gave my life to Jesus when I turned it all around when I recognized at that moment like it caused rejoicing in heaven that's bigger than your friends crying and your family weeping and saying oh I'm so happy for you there was something bigger going on in this spiritual picture and and and again this this this morning if you go you know what I want to be plugged in to this eternal story of God I want to be one of those that worships him at his throne spends eternity eternity worshiping him you know what you could do that today you could get baptized today you could be reborn today that's the whole idea of baptism is you're dying to old you and you're rising up and saying I'm starting a new life and what a better way to begin Christmas this year and then to have the Angels rejoicing in heaven I I just can't even comprehend some of this stuff but I believe it goes on so let me read this one last passage Luke 2 and there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby keeping watch over their flocks at night an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord Shone around them and they were terrified that's what would happen right if you're out mowing your lawn and an angel showed up I mean that's the closest thing we have we're out mowing the grass and an angel shows up okay you'd be terrified you'd be terrified I mean just try to picture that a Heavenly being showing up when you did not expect it you would be terrified but the angel said to themo not be afraid I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people today in the town of David a savior has been born to you he is Christ the Lord this will be a sign to you you'll find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a Manger suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying glory to God in the highest and on Earth peace to Men on whom his favor rest can you try to imagine that moment if the Angels weren't terrified enough at that I mean the the Shepherds weren't terrified Enough by that one angel now suddenly a whole host of them are visible to them and they're all praising God see that's what's going on right now you don't see it you don't hear it but by faith you believe it I hope that right now there are millions of angels worshiping God praising him shouting to him and now we're going to join them in worship that's a crazy thought isn't it see right now as the band comes forward it's like here we are on earth and we are about to join forces with the supernatural spiritual world of angels that are worshiping God and everyone's looking at this Throne okay okay forget about them looking at you right now okay rather than them looking down let's look up can we try that and try to pretend it's not about us and we are joining with the angels and everyone is looking at the throne right now and this chorus the Bible says which is what everything was created for was that every created being in heaven and on Earth will be praising Jesus forever and so right now we're going to join with the angels and everyone's attention is going to be directed at Jesus and we're going to join with the angels in sing praises to Him picture how the angels are singing to God picture how they are praising him and the energy and the passion with which they sing to this Almighty being you guys can we stand can we celebrate Christmas by joining with the angels and let's worship almighty God. [00:42:25]

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Transcript
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