Immanuel
Advent 2024, Week 3
René Schlaepfer
Part of Unwrapping the Names of Christmas
December 15, 2024

Download Printable Notes (open in browser)

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Week 3: IMMANUEL

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”). Matthew 1:22-23 (See Isaiah 7:14)

Jesus is “God with us…” in three key ways:

1. Jesus is with me in my

Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Psalm 139:7

(Jesus) “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

2. Jesus is with me in my

He Himself has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

3. Jesus is with me in my

“I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (See Matt. 25:40)

QUESTIONS

For personal reflection or group discussion

  1. Read Matthew 1:23. Fifty times in his Gospel, Matthew quotes the Old Testament, with the words: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet…”
    How does it build your faith to know that Jesus was prophesied centuries before his birth?
    What does this tell you about the plans of God?

  2. Take some time to think back over your life: How have you experienced Jesus as Immanuel, “God with you”?

  3. Read Hebrews 1:1-3. If Jesus is “the exact representation of God’s being,” as this verse says, what does Jesus teach me about what God is like? Think of some specific things Jesus did, and ways he interacted with people.
    How does this encourage you today?

  4. Look back over the points from the message notes. Which of these points –– Jesus is with me when I struggle, sorrow, serve, and sin –– helps you right now? How so?

As you go through your day today, say these words to yourself: “God is with me,” and see what difference that truth makes.

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In this beautiful one-hour event we’ll sing favorite carols, hear amazing music, light candles, and meditate on the profound meaning of Christ’s birth.

Join us—and bring your family and friends for this annual tradition!

Saturday, December 21
Candlelight Service - 6:00 PM
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Sunday, December 22
Candlelight Services - 9:00 & 11:00 AM

Monday, December 23
Candlelight Services - 4:30 & 6:00 PM

Tuesday, December 24th
Candlelight Services - 3:00, 4:30 & 6:00 PM Servicio de Velas - 6:00 PM (Spanish)

Program for kids ages infant through 5 (we encourage older kids to attend the service with their family).

Details at tlc.org/christmas