Emmanuel – God With Us

EMMANUEL – GOD WITH US

Christmas sermon 25-12-2025

1. Luke 1:26-38

2. Matthew 1:18-23

3. Psalm 96

Matthew 1:23 (NIV): "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”)."

Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV): "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and call His name Immanuel."

Every human heart asks one question in times of pain, fear, and loneliness:

“Is God really with me?”

At Christmas, God answered that question — not with a message, but with a Person.

• He did not shout from heaven.

• He did not send an angel permanently.

• He came down Himself as a baby.

That is the miracle of Christmas.

Every person, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, asks this question in life: “Where is God when I am suffering?”

Christmas is God’s answer to that cry.

• God did not send religion.

• God did not send philosophy.

• But God sent His Son.

The angel announced:

“They shall call His name Immanuel — God with us.”

Christmas is God saying:

“I have come looking for you.”

1: GOD WITH US — BECAUSE WE WERE LOST

“(Romans 3:23)

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Sin separated humanity from God.

Not only murder

Not only theft

But pride, anger, lust, lies

Religion could not fix the problem.

Good works could not erase sin.

John 1:14

– “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

God did not stay distant.

Jesus was born in a manger — not a palace — to show He is accessible to everyone

Illustration

A teacher can shout instructions from a distance, but a good teacher comes near to help a struggling student.

In the same way, God came near to us through Jesus.

1. When you feel forgotten — God is with you

2. When you feel unworthy — God came for you

3. When you feel lost — God stepped into your world

Illustration

A lost child does not need advice, he needs to be found.

Jesus came because we were lost.

2: GOD WITH US — TO SAVE US (Matthew 1:21, Luke 2:11)

“You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Luke 2:11 – “For unto you is born this day a Savior.”

Jesus did not come just to inspire us — He came to save us.

. The cradle points to the cross

Christmas is the beginning of redemption.

1. Was born in a manger

2. Lived without sin

3. Died on the cross

4. Rose again on the third day

The baby in the manger became the Savior on the cross.

Illustration

A lifeguard does not shout instructions to a drowning person — he jumps into the water.

Jesus jumped into our broken world to rescue us from sin.

• Sin separates, but Jesus restores

• Guilt condemns, but Jesus forgives

• Fear binds, but Jesus sets free

3: GOD WITH US — IF WE RECEIVE HIM (John 1:12, Matthew 28:20)

“To all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God.”

Jesus does not force His way. He stands at the door and knocks.

Salvation is personal. You must receive Him.

Jesus is not just the God of history — He is the God of now.

• He is with us:

• In sickness

• In financial struggles

• In family problems

• In uncertain futures

Illustration

A gift is not yours until you accept it. Jesus is God’s gift to the world.

Christmas becomes salvation when you receive Jesus.

CONCLUSION

• The manger says: God came near

• The cross says: God paid the price

• The empty tomb says: God offers new life

Illustration

A child sleeps peacefully not because the storm stops, but because the father is in the room.

Our peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of Jesus.

Christmas is not about decorations, gifts, or celebrations alone.

1. It is about making a decision.

2. Will you receive Him?

3. Will you allow Him to walk with you?

4. Will you trust Him as your Savior?

Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…”