Sermon: The Hope of Emmanuel

Sermon Date: 12/01/2024

Bible Verse: : Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 35:10, Matthew 1:21-23, Matthew 24:30, Revelation 19:11-16

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

"The Hope of Emmanuel – God With Us"

Introduction

The Advent season is a time of anticipation and preparation, marked by the lighting of the Advent candles. Today, we light the Prophecy Candle, also known as the Candle of Hope. This candle reminds us of the promises of God fulfilled in the first coming of Jesus and the hope we have as we await His second coming.

The hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel echoes this longing for deliverance, celebrating the promise that God is with us. Let us explore the hope we have in Emmanuel, God with us, by looking at His first coming, His presence, and the promise of His return.

 

1. The Hope of the First Coming

Isaiah 7:14 – "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."
Isaiah 35:10 – "And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

2. The Hope of Emmanuel (The Meaning)

Matthew 1:21-23 – "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'"

The name Emmanuel carries the profound truth of God’s presence. Jesus was not merely a prophet or teacher; He was God Himself, dwelling among us to reconcile us to Him. His presence offers:

• Forgiveness: Jesus came to save us from our sins.
• Comfort: God is with us in every circumstance, bringing peace and strength.
• Purpose: Emmanuel reminds us that we are never alone; God is actively working in our lives.

3. The Hope of the Second Coming

Matthew 24:30 – "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Revelation 19:11-16 – "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war... And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."

Conclusion: Living in Hope

The Prophecy Candle represents the hope of a God who keeps His promises:

• The hope of Jesus’ first coming, where He became God with us.
• The hope of Emmanuel’s presence in our lives today.
• The hope of His second coming, where He will reign forever as King.

As we sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel, let it be a reminder of the hope we have in Christ. This Advent season, may we hold onto this hope and share it with a world that desperately needs to know Him.