Emmanuel: God With Us Always (Christmas) Series

EMMANUEL: GOD WITH US ALWAYS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 1:18-25

Key Verse:

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 7:14; John 1:14; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20; Psalm 46:1

Description:

Christmas reveals Emmanuel, God stepping into human history to remain with His people forever.

INTRODUCTION

Christmas is not merely the celebration of a birth; it is the revelation of God’s nearness to humanity. In a world fractured by sin, fear, and separation, God did not send a message, He came Himself. Emmanuel is heaven’s response to earth’s deepest cry.

From Genesis to Malachi, humanity longed for restored fellowship with God. Sin created distance, fear replaced intimacy, and man hid from God’s presence. Christmas announces the end of that distance; God moved towards us in love.

Emmanuel assures us that God is not seasonal, distant, or occasional. He is present in our pain, involved in our journey, and committed to our future. Christmas therefore is the proof that we are never alone.

1. GOD CHOSE TO DWELL WITH HUMANITY

God deliberately stepped into human existence, not as a spirit alone but clothed in flesh, identifying fully with mankind.

a) God Initiated His Nearness – God took the first step to restore fellowship with man, showing that salvation is by divine initiative, not human effort (Isaiah 7:14).

b) God Entered Our Reality – Jesus was born into a real family, real culture, and real struggles, proving God understands human life from within (Galatians 4:4).

c) God Identified With Our Weakness – Christ experienced hunger, weariness, sorrow, and temptation, yet without sin, making Him a compassionate Saviour (Hebrews 4:15).

d) God Reversed Separation – What sin destroyed in Eden, Emmanuel restored by His presence among us (Genesis 3:8-9).

Biblical Example: God walking with Adam in the garden before the fall (Genesis 1:26-28).

2. EMMANUEL MEANS GOD IS PRESENT IN EVERY SEASON

The presence of God through Christ is not limited to joyful moments but extends to all seasons of life.

a) Present in Times of Fear – Jesus’ birth dispelled fear with divine reassurance that God is near (Luke 2:10-11).

b) Present in Suffering – God does not abandon His people in pain; He walks through trials with them (Psalm 23:4).

c) Present in Uncertainty – When the future is unclear, Emmanuel remains our anchor and guide (Proverbs 3:5-6).

d) Present in Daily Life – God’s presence is not confined to church gatherings but experienced in everyday living (Hebrews 13:5).

Biblical Example: God’s presence with Israel through the pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21-22).

3. THE PRESENCE OF GOD BRINGS DELIVERANCE AND HOPE

Where God is present, chains break, hope is restored, and lives are transformed.

a) God’s Presence Breaks Bondage – Emmanuel came to set captives free from sin and oppression (Luke 4:18).

b) God’s Presence Restores Dignity – Jesus restored value to the rejected and forgotten (Luke 19:10).

c) God’s Presence Brings Healing – Many were healed simply because God walked among them (Matthew 8:16).

d) God’s Presence Renews Hope – Christmas declares that no situation is beyond divine intervention (Romans 15:13).

Biblical Example: Jesus delivering the demon-possessed man of Gadara (Mark 5:1-15).

4. EMMANUEL IS GOD WITH US ALWAYS

The message of Christmas extends beyond the manger to an eternal promise of God’s abiding presence.

a) God Remains With Believers Forever – Emmanuel is not temporary; Christ abides with His people eternally (Matthew 28:20).

b) God Lives Within Us – Through the Holy Spirit, God dwells in the hearts of believers (1 Corinthians 3:16).

c) God Guides Us Continually – His presence directs our steps and decisions (Psalm 32:8).

d) God Will Be With Us Eternally – The ultimate fulfilment of Emmanuel is eternal life with God (Revelation 21:3).

Biblical Example: Jesus promising the Holy Spirit as our Helper (John 14:16-18).

CONCLUSION

Emmanuel is the greatest gift of Christmas; God choosing presence over distance, relationship over rejection, and love over judgement. Through Christ, heaven truly came down to earth, restoring what was lost and securing our eternal hope.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us live with the consciousness that God is with us always. His presence demands faith, obedience, and boldness. Walk confidently, knowing Emmanuel is with you in every step of life.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the gift of Emmanuel who dwells with us always.

2. Lord, let Your presence never depart from my life and destiny.

3. Every fear in my heart, be silenced by the assurance of God’s presence.

4. O God, walk with me through every season of my life.

5. Let the reality of Emmanuel bring healing to my soul.

6. Father, manifest Your presence in my home and family.