Emmanuel: The Present Hope of Jesus' Birth
Summary
In this Advent season, we are reminded of the profound truth that God, in His holiness, chose to become human to identify with us and offer us forgiveness. This is a time to reflect on the hope that was realized through the birth of Jesus, a hope that is not just a historical event but a present reality. The story of Christmas is a testament to God's promise kept, a promise that continues to be fulfilled today. Jesus, the embodiment of hope, is actively at work in our lives, offering us His presence, power, and promise.
The Jewish people long awaited the Messiah, and the fulfillment of over 300 prophecies in Jesus' birth is a testament to God's faithfulness. The improbability of one person fulfilling even a fraction of these prophecies underscores the divine nature of Jesus' coming. This season, we are invited to set aside skepticism and embrace the hope and good news of Jesus' birth. Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," signifies that Jesus is not just a figure of the past but a present help in our time of need.
Jesus' life, from His birth to His death on the cross, exemplifies God's overwhelming love for humanity. He lived a fully human life, experiencing the joys and pains we face, and offers us hope through His presence. This hope is not just a concept but a person—Jesus—who invites us into a relationship with Him. He offers hope to the broken, the abandoned, the addicted, and the successful yet unfulfilled, providing peace and fulfillment that the world cannot offer.
As we navigate the busyness and challenges of the season, we are encouraged to slow down and ponder the significance of Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus' incarnation reveals God's desire to be intimately involved in our lives, offering us grace, mercy, and a renewed purpose. This Christmas, may we not miss the opportunity to engage with the hope that Jesus offers, allowing Him to redefine our purpose and bring healing to our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Promise Fulfilled: The birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of over 300 prophecies, demonstrating God's faithfulness and the divine nature of His plan. This Advent season, we are reminded that God's promises are not just historical but are actively being fulfilled in our lives today. [26:32]
2. Emmanuel, God With Us: Jesus' incarnation as Emmanuel signifies that God is with us, not just in the past but in our present circumstances. This truth offers us hope and assurance that we are never alone, regardless of what we face. [30:12]
3. Hope in Jesus: Hope is not merely a concept but a person—Jesus—who invites us into a relationship with Him. He offers us His presence, grace, and mercy, providing peace and fulfillment that the world cannot offer. [40:27]
4. Invitation to Relationship: Jesus' life and sacrifice invite us into a personal relationship with Him, where we can find grace and mercy in our time of need. This relationship is a source of hope and transformation in our lives. [45:51]
5. Embracing the Present Hope: This Christmas, we are encouraged to slow down and engage with the hope that Jesus offers, allowing Him to redefine our purpose and bring healing to our lives. Emmanuel, God with us, is a present help in our times of need. [55:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [21:20] - God's Forgiveness and Presence
- [22:25] - Gratitude and Offering
- [23:34] - Hope Realized in Advent
- [25:03] - Present Reality of Hope
- [26:32] - Fulfillment of Prophecies
- [27:54] - Embracing the Good News
- [29:04] - The Birth of Jesus
- [30:12] - Emmanuel: God With Us
- [31:54] - Jesus' Human Experience
- [33:10] - Hope for Today and Tomorrow
- [34:13] - Jesus' Life and Identity
- [35:50] - The Incarnation and God's Love
- [37:39] - Jesus' Mission and Hope
- [38:22] - Understanding the Human Condition
- [39:32] - Hope as a Person
- [40:27] - Jesus' Invitation to Relationship
- [42:28] - Hope for the Broken and Successful
- [43:34] - Peace and Presence Offered
- [44:24] - Overcoming Past and Fear
- [45:51] - Jesus' Humility and Sacrifice
- [47:06] - The Cross and Resurrection
- [48:22] - Hope for Today
- [49:18] - Missing Jesus
- [50:38] - Skepticism and Disbelief
- [51:11] - The Cross and Forgiveness
- [52:14] - Busyness and Engagement
- [53:58] - Re-engaging with Emmanuel
- [55:43] - Hope in the Name of Jesus
- [57:45] - Invitation to Relationship
- [59:15] - Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 7:14
2. Matthew 1:18-23
3. Luke 4:18-19
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the name "Emmanuel" mean, and how is it significant in the context of Jesus' birth? (Matthew 1:23)
2. How does the sermon describe the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the birth of Jesus? [26:32]
3. According to the sermon, what are some of the human experiences Jesus went through that allow Him to identify with us? [34:13]
4. What is the significance of Jesus being described as both a king and a suffering servant? [35:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 about Emmanuel being born of a virgin relate to the concept of God being with us today? [30:12]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' life and sacrifice invite us into a personal relationship with Him? [40:27]
3. How does the sermon explain the improbability of Jesus fulfilling over 300 prophecies, and what does this imply about His divine nature? [26:32]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of skepticism in our understanding of Jesus' birth and its significance today? [27:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the meaning of "Emmanuel, God with us." How can this truth impact your daily life and challenges? [30:12]
2. The sermon encourages us to slow down and engage with the hope that Jesus offers. What practical steps can you take this Advent season to focus on this hope? [55:43]
3. Jesus offers hope to the broken, abandoned, and successful yet unfulfilled. Which of these categories do you relate to, and how can you invite Jesus into that area of your life? [42:28]
4. Consider the fulfillment of prophecies in Jesus' birth. How does this strengthen your faith in God's promises for your life today? [26:32]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of setting aside skepticism. What are some doubts or questions you have about your faith, and how can you address them this season? [27:54]
6. Jesus' life exemplifies God's overwhelming love for humanity. How can you reflect this love in your interactions with others during the Christmas season? [35:50]
7. How can you make time to re-engage with Emmanuel, allowing Him to redefine your purpose and bring healing to your life? [53:58]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: God's Faithfulness in Fulfilled Promises
The birth of Jesus is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, as it fulfills over 300 prophecies. This remarkable event is not just a historical occurrence but a living reality that continues to unfold in our lives today. The improbability of one person fulfilling even a fraction of these prophecies underscores the divine nature of Jesus' coming. As we reflect on this Advent season, we are reminded that God's promises are not confined to the past but are actively being fulfilled in our present circumstances. This truth invites us to trust in His divine plan and to recognize His hand at work in our lives. [26:32]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled in your life? How can you actively trust in His faithfulness today?
Day 2: Emmanuel, God With Us
The incarnation of Jesus as Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," signifies that God is not distant but intimately present in our lives. This truth offers profound hope and assurance that we are never alone, regardless of the challenges we face. Jesus' presence is a constant source of comfort and strength, reminding us that He is actively involved in our daily lives. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are encouraged to embrace the reality of Emmanuel, allowing His presence to guide and sustain us. [30:12]
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 area of your life do you need to be reminded of God's presence? How can you invite Him into that space today?
Day 3: Hope Embodied in Jesus
Hope is not merely an abstract concept but is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. He invites us into a relationship with Him, offering His presence, grace, and mercy. This relationship provides a peace and fulfillment that the world cannot offer, addressing the deepest longings of our hearts. Jesus' life, from His birth to His death on the cross, exemplifies God's overwhelming love for humanity. As we engage with this hope, we are invited to experience the transformative power of His love in our lives. [40:27]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: How can you actively cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus today? What steps can you take to experience His hope more fully in your life?
Day 4: Invitation to a Transformative Relationship
Jesus' life and sacrifice invite us into a personal relationship with Him, where we can find grace and mercy in our time of need. This relationship is not just a source of comfort but a catalyst for transformation in our lives. As we embrace this invitation, we are encouraged to allow Jesus to redefine our purpose and bring healing to our brokenness. His love and sacrifice offer us a new identity and a renewed sense of purpose, empowering us to live out our faith in meaningful ways. [45:51]
Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience transformation through your relationship with Jesus? How can you invite Him to work in that area today?
Day 5: Embracing Present Hope
This Christmas, we are encouraged to slow down and engage with the hope that Jesus offers, allowing Him to redefine our purpose and bring healing to our lives. Emmanuel, God with us, is a present help in our times of need, offering us grace, mercy, and a renewed purpose. As we reflect on the significance of Jesus' incarnation, we are invited to embrace the hope that He brings, allowing it to shape our lives and guide our actions. [55:43]
Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV): "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
Reflection: How can you intentionally slow down and engage with the hope of Jesus this Christmas season? What practical steps can you take to allow His hope to influence your daily life?
Quotes
"Sting to everlasting. Our creator God, before all things you were, and you are present here today. You were holy. You were God. And yet, as we enter this Advent season, we're reminded that you became human to identify with us." [00:20:24] (25 seconds)
"There is a hope that is realized, a hope and it's a promise that God kept for us. And is keeping today. That there is a hope for you and for me. It's a hope that was kept in the past." [00:23:34] (20 seconds)
"This hope is Jesus, who is the presence, who is the power, and who is the promise of God. A God who is at work in the world in which we live. He's at work in and around your home, he's at work in your neighborhoods, and he is at work in our lives. Hope realized." [00:25:03] (26 seconds)
"Emmanuel means God with us. You move forward to Matthew chapter one, the verses right at the beginning, we have the genealogy of Jesus and how kind of Jesus got there through all the different family history and all." [00:29:04] (16 seconds)
"Jesus enters this world in a personal way, not some distant, unconcerned, unconnected God. No, he comes and demonstrates and shows us again that he's here to offer us hope. The angels called it good news, to save us not by some political agenda or maybe from some position of power, but he came from the position of a manger to a cross." [00:35:50] (26 seconds)
"He offers us himself as our hope. He offers us his presence. He offers us his grace and his mercy. He offers and brings hope to the relationally broken, you and I, to the abandoned, to those who feel rejected." [00:40:27] (22 seconds)
"Could I challenge, could I encourage, could you take the time to re-engage with Emmanuel? Emmanuel, God is with you this Christmas. Could you let him redefine purpose, redefine your reason, your why, your who you are?" [00:53:58] (26 seconds)
"Hope can be found in this season in the name of Jesus, and it is real, just as real as it was some 2,000 years ago, just as real as it's going to be, who knows, but today. The angels declared it. Today, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people." [00:55:43] (26 seconds)
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