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The Power of Christmas Truth - Matthew 1:21-2:4 (Part 2)

Second Name - Immanuel

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us) - Matthew 1:23.  This verse simplifies the definition of Immanuel but not the full meaning.  The full meaning and impact of Immanuel is an amazing Christmas truth at this time of year.

The truth of Immanuel is that God became a man.  This child of Christmas is Immanuel and he's why we celebrate Christmas.  As humans, we are flesh and blood by nature.  But Immanuel was not, he became flesh and blood in order to die our death and pay the price for our sins.  Hebrews 2:14 reads, "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook in the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death."  God became man through his son, Jesus.

But he didn't stop there.  He continued to become fully human in every way, becoming a priest to intercede for us.  "He had to be like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest" - Hebrews 2:17.  Jesus became a man, just like us, so that when he went to God on our behalf he would have a full understanding our needs because he has walked in our shoes.

Jesus did not life his life in a bubble, but rather a fully exposed human life.  He experienced the same difficulties we faced, temptation, testing, and suffering.  "For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted" - Hebrews 2:18.  Look at the child of Christmas and see who he truly is.  He was hungry, thirty, tired, he learned, was happy, sad, angry, troubled, disappointed, and tearful.  This Child experienced all the emotions that we do in our lives.  He also exercised faith, read scripture, prayed, was mistreated and misjudged.  Jesus knows our hurts and our weaknesses because he came here and experienced them himself.  Why would he go through that, why would he be tempted and tested?  Look back at Hebrews 2:18, so that he is able to help us. 

God gives us courage, wisdom, strength, and faith.  There's no tree, no lights, no card, no Santa, no person that can give us that, only Immanuel.

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