Introduction: God with us….Immanuel. This was the message that the angel announced to Joseph. Matthew’s gospel confirms it. 

1. What did this mean to Joseph? (Matt 1:20-23)

“20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

Of course this was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Even though this was predicted over seven hundred years before the event, it was fulfilled during the New Testament times. No doubt Joseph was relieved to hear this! Are you?

2. What does this mean to us today? (Matt 1:20-23)

“20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

This means God is with us…
* in good times
* in bad times
* in sickness
* in health
* in trials
* in temptations
* in life
* in death

Conclusion: Having studied this subject, check out what Paul wrote:

“31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Rom 8:31-32)