"Emmanuel"

25 December 2005 – Christmas Day

U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris

CP Walker, Taegu, South Korea

BIG IDEA: GOD IS WITH US.

REFERENCES: Luke 15:1-7; Matthew 1:18-23; Isaiah 7:14 - KJV ( Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel); Psalm 42; Psalm 43; Deut. 22:23-25 (How a man should handle his espoused being raped); Deut. 24:5 (When a man take a new wife – he shouldn’t go off to the army …); Deut. 20:7 (let the man be exempt for one year); Genesis 38:24 ; 2 Chronicles 20:17 (Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you – KJV; 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 (The Arabian Invasion of Judah and King Jehoshaphat);

I. ANNOUNCE THE PERICOPE: Matthew 1:18-23; Isaiah 7:14

II. READ THE PERICOPE: Matthew 1:18-23; Isaiah 7:14

III. READ THE TEXT: Matthew 1:23 KJV - Behold, a virgin shall be with shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being

interpreted is, God with us.

IV. PURPOSE: To motivate the hearers to affirm to others, during this HOLY SEASON AND TIME OF WAR, the importance of calling JESUS to be WITH US.

V. SERMONIC THEME: “EMMANUEL”

INTRODUCTION:

My brothers and sisters, on a count of 3, please join me in COLLECTIVELY saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS … for it’s HIS BIRTHDAY!

1-2-3 … HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

Now, on behalf of Dedra, Kenny, Kendall, Kendric, and I, we WISH YOU ALL … A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I encourage all – particularly those that may be somewhat angry because they didn’t get precisely what they wanted for CHRISTMAS - to remember AND NEVER FORGET that JESUS IS THE REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON!

It’s His B-I-R-T-H-Day!

Let us not forget in the chilled background of kids playing, families breaking bread together, muttered-sounds of The Salvation Army hand-bells ringing, and American dropping coins of help into containers – WE’RE A NATION AT WAR;

In the chilled background where the 2 day old snow lay in Daegu – there are bright colors of red, green, and white on display.

And … although, many of us, can hear the sounds of gift exchanging, and the quick tearing of wrapping paper; along with kids playing, CHRISTMAS songs and caroling … America is at WAR even as I speak.

In fact, there are many gifts that were opened this morning … without sons and daughters;

many gifts were opened without mothers and fathers; and many gifts were opened without brothers, sisters, and friends … to salvage and to share the moment …

THEREFORE, IN HONOR OF OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE PAYED THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE …

… AND IN HONOR OF THOSE … THAT ARE CURRENTLY SERVING AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS DURING THIS HOLY SEASON … LET US PAUSED FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE.

Thank you!

*****************TAKE 5 BEATS**********************

MOVE 1: Now, my brothers and sisters, most of you can attest to the fact that as a congregation, FOR THE PAST 4-5 WEEKS, we have been dealing with various topics … REGARDING MARRIAGE & DIVORCE BUSTING.

a. ALL OF WHICH, ARE AVAILBLE ON VHS, DVDs and Cassettes, AT NO COST TO YOU.

b. JUST SIMPLY SEE OUR VIDEO/COMPUTER MINISTRY STAFF and they will fill you in on the details.

c. We believe, if heed is taken, these resources can greatly enhance marriages and relationships – everywhere!

d. In fact, many of you, may recall … DURING OUR BIBLE STUDY (THIS PAST WEEK) WE EXPLORED AND SURVEYED HOW MANY COUPLES SHARED NICKNAMES FOR ONE ANOTHER.

e. JUST AS THERE ARE STORIES AND CIRCUMSTANCES THAT SURROUNDS MILITARY NICKNAMES such as …

f. FROGS for Navy Seals;

g. MATELOTS for Sailors;

h. LEATHERNECKS for Marines;

i. DOGFACE for Infantry soldiers;

j. … and G.I. for soldiers.

**********************TAKE 5 BEATS*******************

MOVE 2: THERE ARE ALWAYS STORIES and CIRCUMSTANCES which surrounds THE NICKNAMES THAT COUPLES’ SHARE.

a. AMAZINGLY … WE DISCOVERED SEVERAL COUPLES WITH UNIQUE NICKNAMES.

b. WIVES HAD CREATED NICKNAMES FOR THEIR HUSBANDS SUCH AS:

c. BIG DADDY … BABY, BABY, BABY … SWEETIE, BULGOGIE, SEXY, BABE, AND KENNETH … TO NAME A FEW …

*********************TAKE 5 BEATS*********************

MOVE 3: WHILE HUSBANDS HAD NICKNAMES FOR THEIR WIVES LIKE …

a. HONEY, PHAT MAMA, YO-BO,

b. BOO, TAN, SWEET CHOCOLATE, AND HONEY-COOKIE. …

c. NOW … MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS … AS INDICATED IN BIBLE STUDY … NICKNAMES TELL SOMETHING ABOUT THE PERSON BEARING THE NAME.

********************TAKE 5 BEATS**********************

MOVE 4: As an only child, I was given the nickname of LUCKY at birth.