IMMANUEL

 

Angel appears to Joseph—God’s son to be born to Mary. 

Matthew 1:22-23 

Fulfillment of OT prophecy—“virgin will be with child”—Isaiah 7:14 

Call him “Immanuel”—Isaiah 8:8, 10 

·        “God with us”

·        Messiah—God’s presence with people

·        Anytime God called someone to task in OT, assured the person/people of His presence

·        Jesus was God with people 

Why is that important? 

·        If God is all powerful—and He is—He can change the circumstances from merely human to superhuman

·        If God is compassionate—and He is—there is always one present who cares in all our circumstances

·        If God is loving—and He is—we are never away from One who loves us—always loved. 

Was God present in Connecticut on Friday?  Yes. 

Why did God not change the circumstances?  Only God knows—human sin is allowed to take place.  God allows people freedom to make good choices and bad choices as well.

Today we are still assured that God is with us—in all circumstances of life—through God’s Holy Spirit.