Immanuel: “God with Us”

김정호목사 

Dr. Jung-Ho Kim, Pastor 

¹⁸ 예수 그리스도의 나심은 이러하니라 그 모친 마리아가 요셉과 정혼하고 동거하기 전에 성령으로 잉태된 것이 나타났더니 ¹⁹ 그 남편 요셉은 의로운 사람이라 저를 드러내지 아니하고 가만히 끊고자하여 ²⁰ 이 일을 생각할 때에 주의 사자가 현몽하여 가로되 다윗의 자손 요셉아 네 아내 마리아 데려오기를 무서워 말라 저에게 잉태된 자는 성령으로 된 것이라 ²¹ 아들을 낳으리니 이름을 예수라 하라 이는 그가 자기 백성을 저희 죄에서 구원할 자이심이라 하니라 ²² 이 모든 일의 된 것은 주께서 선지자로 하신 말씀을 이루려 하심이니 가라사대 ²³ 보라 처녀가 잉태하여 아들을 낳을 것이요 그 이름은 임마누엘이라 하리라 하셨으니 이를 번역한즉 하나님이 우리와 함께 계시다 함이라 ²⁴ 요셉이 잠을 깨어 일어나서 주의 사자의 분부대로 행하여 그 아내를 데려 왔으나 ²⁵ 아들을 낳기까지 동침치 아니하더니 낳으매 이름을 예수라 하니라

¹⁸ Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. ²⁰ But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." ²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ²³ "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). ²⁴ When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, ²⁵ but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Mat 1:18-25)

FCF: We often feel like being left out and alone during Christmas.

주제: 우리는 성탄절에 “우리와 함께 하시는 하나님의 임재이신 예수 그리스도를 예배해야 한다. 

Theme: During Christmas, we must celebrate Jesus Christ, that is, “God’s presence with us.”

Introduction

Holidays are a time of family reunion. After children grow up and start their lives in marriage, parents are left alone. But Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas provide a good time for scattered family members to gather together and remember they are one family. Christmas is a best time for family reunion. But there are many who can’t afford to buy air tickets to get together with their families. Unfortunately, they can’t hold a family reunion in which they hug one another and share their stories together in love, confirming they are one by flesh and blood. For those who are too poor to visit their families, one middle-aged entrepreneur donates his accumulated mileage. He travels all over the world. He has mileage piled up for use. He donates them to poor people so that they can visit their families. Having heard his good deed, others have volunteered to donate their mileages to his charity foundation. Christmas is a time to celebrate God’s family reunion that God and His sinful children were reconciled and reunited through His Son Jesus Christ. This good news is intimated by the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. However, Christmas celebration today is a celebration of fleshly entertainment, not a celebration of Jesus Christ. Commercialism and materialism have replaced a true celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world. So, people are still discontent even with all gifts and funs. Their souls are still impoverished without worshiping Christ. What matters most is we celebrate Christ who is our Immanuel, “God is with us.” 

Can you imagine the lonesomeness, messiness, and emptiness of your house after your family members have left with you as they leave for their homes after holiday family reunion? When I grew up, I remember that my married sisters and brothers, along with their kids, paid a visit to my parents for Korean national festivals such as the New Year’s Day or Chuseok. All of a sudden, my house was filled with my nephews and nieces. At first, my parents welcomed them and enjoyed their visit. It wouldn’t take much time to realize the house turned into a noisy playground. They were shouting, shoving, running, or wrestling together. They began to be seen as a nuisance that shattered the tranquility of my home. I noticed that my parents were getting tired and wishing them to leave as soon as possible. By the time they are fed up with their grandchildren’s rambunctious playing, my sisters and brothers began to leave one after another. My parents and I began to regain composure or peace in our hearts. But my mom soon found that rooms were filled with food debris and messes, and dishes and bowls were piled up in the kitchen sink. Her sigh of relief changed into a groan of discomfort and anger for increased chores. Her initial joy for family gatherings was soon replaced with lingering stress. Also, my parents felt lonely again in the quiet, empty house. Probably, this may be true of us during holiday seasons like Thanksgiving and Christmas. We desire for company with family members during holidays. At the same time, when we get tired of them, we want them to leave, so that we can be alone.

Doesn’t it reflect the way we spend Christmas in relation to Christ? We desire His personal presence with us during the Christmas season, but after Christmas, we would like to be alone because we had enough of Him in singing Christmas hymns and listening to Christmas messages. As we celebrate Christmas, we give thoughts to the birth of Jesus Christ, being reminded of the importance of His virgin birth for our salvation. After attending a Christmas worship service, we feel as if we had done religious responsibilities to God and family, being relieved out of our duty to God during Christmas. Then, we turn our hearts and minds to things for entertainment, fun, or gifts, so that we won’t feel lonely during the festive season. Or in a worse case, we spend Christmas without Christ as if we celebrate our fathers’ birthdays without them. Christmas is all about Christ our Savior. But it seems as if we have forgotten the meaning and significance of Christmas and passing through the Christmas season without Christ and only with gifts, cards, and Christmas greetings. We must focus on the coming of Christ. We must celebrate Christ during Christmas.

Joseph received God’s special revelation about the birth of Jesus Christ. The essence of Christmas is the birth of Jesus our Messiah who is Immanuel “God being with us.” The central message of Christmas is Christ our Immanuel as God’s presence with us. Surely, all human beings have an inner void that only God can fill. They were created in that way. That’s why people seek to be with someone special. People are social beings. They were created to have a relationship with God and their fellow human beings. God set eternity in our hearts. Unless we are with God, we can’t be fulfilled. Christ came to this world to demonstrate “God being with His people.” If you feel painfully lonesome during this season or desire to be reunited with your loved ones and yet no one is around you, you must realize that Christ is with you according to His promise. Though you may be surrounded with a bunch of friends, you may feel a void in your hearts longing for the presence of someone special. Christ is our Immanuel, “God’s presence with us.” Thus, we must celebrate Christ as “God’s presence with us.” I would like to develop the theme of “Immanuel,” that is, “God being with us.” What does the birth of Christ represent to us today? First, it represents that Christ is…

I. 함께 고난당하시는 하나님의 임재

 God’s suffering presence with us

Christ came down to this world of sin and suffering. He was a man acquainted with sorrows. He came to suffer for those suffering due to sin. He voluntarily came down from his heavenly throne to a shabby manger. His departure from glory was part of His suffering. Its purpose was to visit his suffering people and take abode with them. Surely, He condescended to be with His people living in a sin-infested and broken world. He was not an angelic being, but the Son of God, who was made flesh. He was born not in a palace, but in a manger. His entire life was filled with suffering. He suffered in the place of His suffering people. He ate meager food. He got thirsty, hungry, and tired. He had to work for livelihood. He experienced pain, betrayal, mockery, or poverty. He experienced our weaknesses and limitations. Though He occasionally demonstrated His divine person through His divine power, He had to be in one place at a certain time. Though He created time and space, he chose to be bound by them. The world into which he came was filled with sin, misery, and suffering.

Why did He come into such a world? He became one of us and yet without sin (Heb. 4:15), in order to die for us, sympathize with us, and save us from eternal condemnation. The author of Hebrews says: 우리에게 있는 대제사장은 우리 연약함을 체휼하지 아니하는 자가 아니요 모든 일에 우리와 한결같이 시험을 받은 자로되 죄는 없으시니라. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). Though He was a perfect God, yet He suffered as a perfect man for His people. He lived with His suffering people. He walked among His people. He saw His people suffering in sin and misery. He listened to their cries and sighs. He knew they were under oppression. When He was born, His people were under the Roman bondage. They were mistreated, oppressed, taken advantage of, or wronged by their rulers. They were without their political independence. Moreover, they were without spiritual freedom. They were under sin and suffering. He was born and became one of them to suffer for and with them. Though He was their King, He came not to be served but to serve. He felt their pain and distress along with them. He wept for them. Finally, He died for them on the cross.

His nickname was God’s suffering Servant (Isa. 53). Here is what Isaiah prophesied of the suffering Messiah: ⁴ Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. ² 그는 주 앞에서 자라나기를 연한 순 같고 마른 땅에서 나온 줄기 같아서 고운 모양도 없고 풍채도 없은즉 우리의 보기에 흠모할만한 아름다운 것이 없도다 ³ 그는 멸시를 받아서 사람에게 싫어버린 바 되었으며 간고를 많이 겪었으며 질고를 아는 자라 마치 사람들에게 얼굴을 가리우고 보지않음을 받는 자 같아서 멸시를 당하였고 우리도 그를 귀히 여기지 아니하였도다. ² For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. ³ He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not (Isa 53:2-3).

He didn’t come to this world as if He had no concern or interest for those suffering in this world. He didn’t come as King with His angelic host, insulated from His suffering people. He was born as one of them. He experienced a danger of normal birth, threat of King Herod, poverty, stress, misunderstanding, accusations, persecution, and finally death. He was not immune to human suffering. He suffered like one of us. He suffered more than anyone of us. He would have felt sorrowful in His heavenly throne by looking at His suffering people. But, He chose to come down to be with them. He came down to heal the sick, feed the hungry, teach the ignorant, and set free the captives. He suffered for the sake of the suffering. He suffered the incarnation, humiliation, and crucifixion to save His people for curses of sin and death and live with His people forever. This is the message of Christ’s birth. He is Immanuel, that is, “God being with us.” He represents God’s suffering presence with us. Now, we have Christ our God who has experienced our suffering. He is our High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses.

In 1873, a Belgian missionary named Joseph Damien was sent to minister to lepers on the Hawaiian Island of Molokai. When he arrived, he immediately began to meet each one of the lepers in the colony in hopes of building a friendship. But wherever he turned, people shunned him. It seemed as though every door was closed. He poured his life into his work, erecting a chapel, beginning worship services and pouring out his heart to the lepers. But it was to no avail. No one responded to his ministry. After twelve years Mr. Damien decided to leave. Dejectedly, he made his way to the docks to board a ship to take him back to Belgium. As he stood on the dock, he wrung his hands nervously, recounting his futile ministry among the lepers. As he did he looked down at his hands, he noticed some mysterious white spots and felt some numbness. Almost immediately he knew what was happening to his body. He had contracted leprosy. It was then that he knew what he had to do. He returned to the leper colony and to his work. Quickly the word about his disease spread through the colony. Within a matter of hours everyone knew. Hundreds of them gathered outside his hut, they understood his pain, fear, and uncertainty about the future. But the biggest surprise was the following Sunday. As Mr. Damien arrived at the Chapel, he found hundreds of worshipers there. By the time the service began, there were many more with standing room only, and many gathered outside the chapel. His ministry became enormously successful. The reason? He was one of them. He understood and empathized with them. Jesus became one of us so that he could be truly with us in suffering.

As you go through this Christmas season, you may look for someone who can be with you and sympathizes with you. You may feel as if you are suffering alone because of unresolved issues as physical diseases, emotional stresses, financial woes, or relational tensions. You may feel your problem is greater than that of anybody else. You may feel no one is around you to understand and help you. So, the holiday festivity may intensify your loneliness. But remember Christ was born to be with you. Christ is your Friend who never leaves you nor forsakes you. He is not only in heaven, but also He is with you through the Spirit. He is not a heavenly Spectator sitting in His throne, but your Companion suffering with you. As He said to His disciples, Christ is always with you, perfectly knowing what you are going through.

Remember the Lord Jesus stoop up in His throne when He saw His servant Stephen being stoned to death. He suffered for Stephen, so that Stephen could be saved. He suffered with Stephen, not simply watching him dying hopelessly. He revealed His compassionate love to Stephen, welcoming him into His glory in heaven (Acts 7:55-56). People today deny the existence of God or repudiate the validity of Christianity because of so much suffering in the world. “If God is out there, why so much pain in the world? Why doesn’t He do anything to correct this problem?” Well, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into the midst of suffering. Though He was without sin, He suffered death in our place. His crucifixion was God’s answer to suffering in the world. God is not a cosmic spectator of human suffering. He, made in human flesh, came down to be with His suffering people.

Jesus Christ suffered for you. He is always with you under all circumstances. Christmas conveys the message of “God being with you” in suffering. Christ is God’s suffering presence with you. Mary and Joseph heard the message of “Immanuel.” You are hearing the same message. God is with you in Christ. You may feel you are completely alone. You may assume your affairs are hidden from God. You may say God doesn’t care for you. But Jesus Christ is evidence of God’s suffering for and with you. Christmas is a reminder of “God being with us” through Christ. So, you must celebrate Christ our Immanuel with all joy even while suffering in this world. 

Not only does Christ represent God’s suffering presence with you, but also Christ 

II. 우리를 구원하시는 하나님의 임재

God’s saving presence with us

Christ was born to save us. Joseph was commanded to name his son Jesus. Verse 21 says: 아들을 낳으리니 이름을 예수라 하라 이는 그가 자기 백성을 저희 죄에서 구원할 자이심이라 하니라. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." The name “Jesus” implies salvation. In fact, the birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Verses 22-23 say: All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 이 모든 일의 된 것은 주께서 선지자로 하신 말씀을 이루려 하심이니 가라사대 ²³ 보라 처녀가 잉태하여 아들을 낳을 것이요 그 이름은 임마누엘이라 하리라 하셨으니 이를 번역한즉 하나님이 우리와 함께 계시다 함이라. ²³ "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). ²²

The prophecy of Isaiah was orginally given to King Ahaz. He faced the alliance of Rezin the Syrian king and Pekah the Isralite king. These two kings formed an alliance and came to attack Judah the southern kingdom. Ahaz was vacillating between God and Assyria. He was supposed to trust God alone to stop the imminent invasion of Syria and Ephraim. He was commanded to seek a sign from God. But he refused to seek a sign from God, because he was going to turn to Assyria for help, not to God. Urging him to trust God rather than Assyria, Isaiah said to Ahaz: ¹⁴ 그러므로 주께서 친히 징조로 너희에게 주실 것이라 보라 처녀가 잉태하여 아들을 낳을 것이요 그 이름을 임마누엘이라 하리라 ¹⁵ 그가 악을 버리며 선을 택할 줄 알 때에 미쳐 뻐터와 꿀을 먹을 것이라 ¹⁶ 대저 이 아이가 악을 버리며 선을 택할 줄 알기 전에 너의 미워하는 두 왕의 땅이 폐한바 되리라 ¹⁷ 여호와께서 에브라임이 유다를 떠날 때부터 당하여 보지 못한 날을 너와 네 백성과 네 아비 집에 임하게 하시리니 곧 앗수르 왕의 오는 날이니라. 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. ¹⁵ He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. ¹⁶ For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. ¹⁷ The LORD will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father's house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah-- the king of Assyria" (Isa 7:14-17).

Yahweh gave this promise to Ahaz. This promise was about deliverance from Rezin and Pekah. And this prophecy ultimately came to fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ. Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ. Jesus the Messiah was the promised Deliverer of His people from sin and its bondage. Though the Jews expected the political, military Messiah would deliver them from Rome, Jesus was the Savior who would deliver His people from the bondage of sin and death. He was Immanuel, that is, “God being with us.” He is God’s saving presence with His people.

Jesus Christ was born to save us from sin and its eternal condemnation. Salvation has many aspects. It starts from election and ends with glorification. In Christ, God gives us a new heart and a new life through the Holy Spirit. We are born again in Christ. And, God calls effectively to respond to the gospel. We respond to it in repentance and faith. When we are converted from the kingdom of darkness unto the kingdom of light, we are justified. We are declared righteous in the sight of God. We are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. We are adopted into the household of faith. We call God our Father. We are given a new status that makes us citizens of heaven. In Christ, we are being sanctified daily through the power of the Spirit. God’s presence makes us more like Christ. If we walk with God, we cannot but to be positively affected by the holy presence of God. And at the end, our salvation will be consummated. We will be glorified. Our body and soul will be united at the day of resurrection. Our salvation will be completed at that day. Everything is done in Jesus Christ. Without Christ’s incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection, our salvation is impossible.

Jesus was born to die, so that we could be saved. Hebrews 2:14-18 says: 자녀들은 혈육에 함께 속하였으매 그도 또한 한 모양으로 혈육에 함께 속하심은 사망으로 말미암아 사망의 세력을 잡은 자 곧 마귀를 없이 하시며 ¹⁵ 또 죽기를 무서워하므로 일생에 매여 종노릇하는 모든 자들을 놓아주려 하심이니 ¹⁶ 이는 실로 천사들을 붙들어 주려 하심이 아니요 오직 아브라함의 자손을 붙들어 주려 하심이라 ¹⁷ 그러므로 저가 범사에 형제들과 같이 되심이 마땅하도다 이는 하나님의 일에 자비하고 충성된 대제사장이 되어 백성의 죄를 구속하려 하심이라 ¹⁸ 자기가 시험을 받아 고난을 당하셨은즉 시험 받는 자들을 능히 도우시느니라. ¹⁴ ¶ Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵ and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. ¹⁷ Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

He is our “God with us.” He is not a mere prophet. He is not a mere good teacher. It is true that he was a perfect man. At the same time, it is true that he was a perfect God with us. He is fully qualified to be our Savior. A man was shown a red glass bottle and asked what he thought was in the bottle. He replied in succession, “Wine? Brandy? Whiskey?” When told it was full of milk, he could not believe it until he saw the milk poured out. What he hadn’t known, of course, was that the bottle was made of red glass, and its redness hid the color of the milk it contained. So it was and is with the Lord’s humanity. Men saw him tired, hungry, suffering, weeping, and thought he was only man. He was made in the likeness of men, yet he ever is God over all, blessed forever.

Indeed, Jesus Christ is our Immanuel who was born to set us free from the bondage of sin, death, and Satan. He was born to help us. He was born to preserve us until we get to heaven. He was born to protect us from the evil one. This is the message of Christmas. Christ represents God’s saving presence with us. This is what we are to remember and celebrate during this Christmas season. From beginning to end, Christ is God’s saving presence with us. Acts 4:12 puts it this way: 다른이로서는 구원을 얻을 수 없나니 천하 인간에 구원을 얻을만한 다른 이름을 우리에게 주신 일이 없음이니라 하였더라. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." If you have the Son, you have eternal life. If you have not the Son of God, you have no life eternal. If you are in Christ, there is no condemnation for you. The birth of Christ is the message of salvation for sinners. This is the reason to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during Christmas. His birth was necessary for our salvation. So, as we celebrate His birth, we give thanks to God for salvation through His death.

However, the message of salvation seems to be forgotten. A television interviewer was walking streets of Tokyo at Christmas time. Much as in America, Christmas shopping is a big commercial success in Japan. The interviewer stopped one young woman on the sidewalk, and asked, "What is the meaning of Christmas?" Laughing, she responded, "I don't know. Is that the day that Jesus died?" There was some truth in her answer. Do you celebrate the birth of Christ with regard to your salvation or gifts, funs, or recreations? M. R. Dehaan, the founder of the Radio Bible Class, and the co-editor of a monthly devotional guide Our Daily Bread, lamented commercialized Christmas and calls on us to celebrate Christ our Savior as follows: Can This Be Christmas 

People try to celebrate the festivity of Christmas. During Christmas, however, we are to celebrate Christ who died to save us from hell, if we are saved by God’s grace in Christ. Now, let me ask you a question: Do you have Jesus Christ as your Savior today? Do you have Him in your heart? Do you have Him in your life? If you have, you have eternal life with God? If not, you are eternally lost. You must come to Christ and receive Him into your heart. John 1:12 says: 영접하는 자 곧 그 이름을 믿는 자들에게는 하나님의 자녀가 되는 권세를 주셨으니. “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” In Christ, we have redemption, that is, the forgiveness of sins. In Him, we have all the fullness of God. In Him, we have all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In Him, we have complete salvation. Christmas is a best time to accept Him as your Savior. Christ is God’s saving presence with us.

Not only does Christ represent God’s suffering and saving presence with us, but also He represents…

III. 필요를 공급하시는 하나님의 임재

 God’s providing presence with us

Christ is our Immanuel, “God being with us.” While being with us, Christ provides us with all our needs. We are beings that need physical and spiritual needs. Also, we need emotional and relational needs. Christ’s birth implies that God is willing to supply all our needs according to His pleasure. Paul says of God’s gracious provisions this way: 자기 아들을 아끼지 아니하시고 우리 모든 사람을 위하여 내어주신 이가 어찌 그 아들과 함께 모든 것을 우리에게 은사로 주지 아니하시겠느뇨. He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:32). Also, Paul says, 나의 하나님이 그리스도 예수 안에서 영광 가운게 그 풍성한대로 너희 모든 쓸것을 채우시리라. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). The birth of Jesus Christ is evidence of God’s abundant provision for all our needs. If God is with us, we don’t need to worry about needs in life. God is our Father who lovingly meets with needs of His beloved children in Christ. The giving of His Son to us is an incontestable indication that He supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory.

Surely, God has given us Himself because He loves us in Christ. The story is told of a Persian monarch who loved his people very much. To know and understand them better, he would mingle with his subjects in various disguises. One day he went as a poor man to the public baths and in a tiny cellar sat beside the fireman who tended the furnace. When it was mealtime the monarch shared his coarse food and talked to his lonely subject as a friend. Again and again he visited and the man grew to love him. One day he told him he was the monarch, expecting the man to ask some gift from him. But the fireman sat gazing at his ruler with love and wonder and at last spoke, “You left your palace and your glory to sit with me in this dark place, to eat of my coarse food, to care whether my heart is glad or sorry. On others you may bestow rich presents, but to me you have given yourself, and it only remains for me to pray that you never withdraw the gift of your friendship.” This beautiful story reminds us that Christ, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, left the glories of heaven in order to share himself with us. That gift of his love and friendship will never be withdrawn from us. He chose to be your friend and mine forever. Our Immanuel is evidence of God’s love and friendship with us. He is evidence of God’s rich provisions for us. If we have Christ, we have all. All gifts in life God bestows upon us can’t be compared to the Gift of His Son Christ.

In reality, we need to be confirmed of God’s promises on and on, so that we can continue to trust Him. God gives us confidence in His presence with us. Our lives may be compared to that of Jacob who received God’s promise of His presence on his flight from Esau. Here is what Yahweh promised Jacob: 내가 너와 함께 있어 네가 어디로 가든지 너를 지키며 너를 이끌어 이 땅으로 돌아오게 할지라 내가 네게 허락한 것을 다이루기까지 너를 떠나지 아니하리라 하신지라. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (Gen. 28:15). During his turbulent years, Jacob experienced God’s special presence with him. God gave him food, protection, riches, sons and daughters, a large family, fame, companionship, etc. God didn’t depart from him until he fulfilled His promises for him.

God’s presence was demonstrated as a pillar of the cloud and fire for the people of Israel. Throughout their wilderness journeys, God was with His people, guiding their paths, protecting them from the enemies, and providing water and food for them. The tabernacle represents God’s presence with them. The pillar of the cloud and fire represents God’s special presence. Exodus 40: 36-38 says: ³⁶ 구름이 성막 위에서 떠오를 때에는 이스라엘 자손이 그 모든 행하는 길에 앞으로 발행하였고 ³⁷ 구름이 떠오르지 않을 때에는 떠오르는 날까지 발행하지 아니하였으며 ³⁸ 낮에는 여호와의 구름이 성막 위에 있고 밤에는 불이 그 구름 가운데 있음을 이스라엘의 온 족속이 그 모든 행하는 길에서 친히 보았더라. ³⁶ Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. ³⁷ But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. ³⁸ For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys (Ex. 40:36-38).

Jesus Christ is the visible presence of God among His people. He Himself came down to His own people. He became one of them to provide their basic needs. He “tabernacled” among His people. He fed His people, healed them, protected them, accompanied them, taught them, and died for them. He dined with them. He gave them rest. He met their needs. Now, Jesus Christ is our good Shepherd who guides, protects, and provides for us. He is our Friend who walks with us throughout our life journeys. He was born to represent God’s providing presence with us. This is what we need to remember during this Christmas season. Immanuel, God being with us, is Jesus Christ who supplies all our needs according to His riches. Certainly, all of us have various needs today. We must remember we are so blessed that our Father graciously meets all our fundamental needs for His glory and our good (Matt. 6:25-34).

The Lord still says, ³⁰ 오늘 있다가 내일 아궁이에 던지우는 들풀도 하나님이 이렇게 입히시거든 하물며 너희일까보냐 믿음이 적은 자들아 ³¹ 그러므로 염려하여 이르기를 무엇을 먹을까 무엇을 마실까 무엇을 입을까 하지 말라 ³² 이는 다 이방인들이 구하는 것이라 너희 천부께서 이 모든 것이 너희에게 있어야 할 줄을 아시느니라 ³³ 너희는 먼저 그의 나라와 그의 의를 구하라 그리하면 이 모든 것을 너희에게 더하시리라 ³⁴ 그러므로 내일 일을 위하여 염려하지 말라 내일 일은 내일 염려할 것이요 한 날 괴로움은 그 날에 족하니라.  ³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ³⁴ "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matt. 6:30-34).

How do you know you will be provided by God? Look at the historical fact and theological truth of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. If you believe in Christ’s incarnation, you are trusting God’s perfect provision for our salvation. God’s being with us implies God’s taking care of us for His glory. Again, Christ’s birth is evidence of God’s rich provision for all our needs. Celebrate Christ, “God’s providing presence with us, during this Christ, while committing all your cares upon God.

Christ is God’s suffering, saving, and providing presence with us. Lastly, Christ is…

IV. 능력주시는 하나님의 임재

 God’s empowering presence with us

Surely, God’s presence with us implies various things to us. And it presupposes our various needs. Once we are saved, we are constantly challenged by sin, the world, and Satan. We can’t defeat them with our own little strength. Unless we are empowered by God, we can’t win in our spiritual battles against them. Not only in our spiritual battles, but also in carrying out God’s purposes, we need assurance of God’s presence and power. The early church was able to fulfill the Great Commission, relying on the Lord’s promise, “I will be with you to the end.” The Lord ascended into heaven, but has sent us the empowering Spirit of God. The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, that is, the presence of Christ. Christ kept His promise by being with His disciples through the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit continued the work of Jesus Christ and applied the redemptive grace of Jesus Christ to God’s people. That is what He still does through the church of Christ.

The apostle Paul said, 내게 능력 주시는 자 안에서 내가 모든 것을 할수 있느니라. I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). Paul didn’t mean here that he could literally do all things through Christ. Rather, he meant that he could carry out whatever God entrusted him to do for His glory. He tells us here the source of his strength is Jesus Christ. Indeed, Christ is our daily joy, strength and hope against all struggles in life. He is our Enabler for God’s tasks in life. He is still with us through His Spirit. As He promises, Christ never leaves us nor forsakes us. Thus, we don’t need to be afraid of difficult challenges we face daily. We don’t need to be worried about uncertain future, or daunting tasks in life. How could the early church get over threats of the Sanhedrin and oppositions of the enemies? They witnessed the risen Christ and trusted His promise of the Holy Spirit. As He said, they received the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and trusted Christ was still with them through the Spirit. In the midst of life-threatening situations, they preached the gospel with boldness, overcoming fear of men. Listen to what Peter and John said to the Jewish authorities: 하나님 앞에서 너희 말 듣는 것이 하나님 말씀 듣는 것보다 옳은가 판단하라.Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge (Acts 4:19).

How could Moses challenge Pharaoh the most powerful king to let the people of Israel go? When God called him to go and set His people free, Moses refused to comply with God’s command. He didn’t want to go because he had no confidence in his speech skills. Here is what Moses said to Yahweh: 내가 누구관대 바로에게 가며 이스라엘 자손을 애굽에서 인도하여 내리이까. "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" (Ex. 3:11). But, Yahweh promised to be with him. Listen to Yahweh’s reply to Moses: 내가 정녕 너와 함께 있으리라 네가 백성을 애굽에서 인도하여 낸 후에 너희가 이산에서 하나님을 섬기리니 이것이 내가 너를 보낸 증거니라. "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain" (Ex. 3:12). In fact, the covenantal name “Yahweh” suggests the idea of God’s presence with His people. Moses was able to go after he found confidence in Yahweh’s presence.

How could Joshua lead the people of Israel into the Promise Land and conquer it? Here is the key to his success in the conquest: God’s presence with him. The Lord promised him this: 너의 평생에 너를 능히 당할 자 없으리니 내가 모세와 함께 있던 것 같이 너와 함께 있을 것임이라 내가 너를 떠나지 아니하며 버리지 아니하리니….내가 네게 명한 것이 아니냐 마음을 강하게 하고 담대히 하라 두려워 말며 놀라지 말라 네가 어디로 가든지 네 하나님 여호와가 너와 함께 하느니라 하시니라. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you…. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Josh. 1:5, 9).

There is an inseparable union between Christ and us. Relying on the union with Christ is the key to our joy, strength, and hope in life. The Lord says, 나는 포도나무요 너희는 가지니 저가 내 안에 내가 저 안에 있으면 이 사람은 과실을 많이 맺나니 나를 떠나서는 너희가 아무 것도 할 수 없음이라. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5). Simply, we can do nothing apart from Christ. What this means is that we have to do all things in the presence of Christ, with the power of Christ, and for the glory of Christ. We are entirely dependent on Christ for all things in life. As Paul says, we are strong in Christ when we are weak (2 Cor. 12:10).

If you feel impotent or powerless during this Christmas, remember His supernatural birth was not only for your help, salvation, and provision, but also for your empowerment. His virgin birth is evidence of God’s empowering presence with us. So, you don’t need to fear before daunting tasks in life. You may feel powerless before you current problems. You may believe there is nothing you can do to resolve your problems. It is time for God to enable you to run for His glory. Instead of worrying and fearing, trust God and act in faith for the glory of God. Don’t let your adversities drag down during this Christmas. Believe Christ is willing to enable you through His Spirit. You are here for God’s design. You will help you fulfill His purpose. Eric Liddell, a Scottish Olympic Gold Medalist runner and Christian missionary, said, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run I feel his pleasure.” If you continue to trust God for strength, you will taste His goodness and empowerment for His glory. We celebrate the birth of Christ. Christ represents “God with Us.” Christ is the almighty God that strengthens us to do all things for God’s glory. This is one of the reasons we rejoice in the birth of Christ. In our brief stay here on earth, we encounter many challenges and tasks. Christ is God’s enabling presence with us. Thus, we find confidence in Christ.

Conclusion

Joseph must have been startled by the revelation of his wife Mary’s conception. He may have been wondering whether he had to get married to Mary. He had to make the most difficult decision in life, which was certainly a dilemma. But he chose to trust all the words he just heard from the angel of God about the birth of Jesus Christ. Though he didn’t understand all things, he accepted the words of the angel about the Lord Jesus Christ. So, he didn’t let Mary go in secret. Rather, he took her to be his wife and took care of her. He never abandoned Mary. This fact is evidence of his faith in Jesus, Immanuel, “God being with us.” If God could bring forth a Savior through a virgin, He could certain save His people from suffering and sin, Joseph believed. Indeed, Joseph experienced Christ’s suffering, saving, providing, and empowering presence. Though Jesus was his son by law, Joseph did his part to bring the Savior of the world to the world. He experienced His saving grace. He experienced God’s rich provisions in Egypt while fleeing from Herod. He experienced God’s enablement for raising Jesus in the way of the Lord. It was all because Jesus was his Immanuel. Like Joseph, we should trust the truthfulness of the narrative of Jesus’ nativity. We must rejoice in the good news of the coming of our Friend, Savior, Provider, and Enabler. We must welcome Jesus Christ as our God and Lord. We must celebrate Christ during this season, fully understanding the true significance of the coming of Christ. When we truly encounter with Jesus, we can change. Not only should we believe the doctrinal truth of Jesus’ incarnation, but also we should personally meet with Him to worship with all our hearts.

I read a touching story about a British man named Sorostz. He had spent 40 years in prison. Finally, he was released. On the day of his release, prison guards expected him to be imprisoned soon. It was because he was uncontrollable. On that night of his release, he went to Salvation Army. During that night, there was an evangelistic meeting in which he heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. He received Christ into his heart and experienced the powerful presence of Christ’s Spirit. He became a new man. And he served in Salvation Army for the next eighteen years. Here is what he said: 나는 가죽 채찍으로 50대를 맞았습니다. 감옥에 있는 동안 8번이나 그렇게 맞았습니다. 총 400대를 맞았습니다. 사십년을 감옥에 있었지만 변하지 않았습니다. 그러나 그리스도를 만나자마자 나는 그리스도안에서 온전히 새 사람이 되었습니다. “I got whipped with leather lashes 50 times. I got them eight times during my stay in jail. I got lashed 400 times all totals. I hadn’t got changed for 40 years in prison. But as soon as I met with Christ, I completely became a new man in Christ.” His testimony is evidence of Jesus Christ, Immanuel “God being with us.” He was isolated from society. He was branded as the irremediable criminal in the world. He knew what it meant to be labeled as a hopeless criminal. His jail time was a torture to his soul, suffering due to his crime. He experienced loneliness, emptiness, and meaninglessness in life. However, he met with Jesus Christ who accepted him as he was, forgave him his sins, and transformed his callous heart. He experienced God’s enabling presence in his life. He became a new person in Christ, serving the poor in society. This is the message of Christ’s coming we celebrate during Christmas. Christ was born to save us from the bondage of sin. Christ is God’s suffering, saving, providing, and empowering presence with us. We have every reason to celebrate Christ during Christmas. Christ is our Immanuel, “God with us.” He is always with us. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. When we feel alone in suffering, Christ is with us, sympathizing with us. When we are imprisoned by sin, Christ set us from. He supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory. Christ empowers us for God’s glory. Christ is our Comfort, Deliverance, Provision, and Strength. Let’s bow down before Him in adoration! Christmas is about Christ our Immanuel, “God with us.”   

Benediction

여호와는 네게 복을 주시고 너를 지키시기를 원하며 여호와는 그 얼굴로 네게 비취사 은혜 베푸시기를 원하며 여호와는 그 얼굴을 네게로 향하여 드사 평강주시기를 원하노라. ²⁴ The LORD bless you and keep you; ²⁵ the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; ²⁶ the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

(Num. 6:24-26)