Emmanuel – Faithful Through the Ages

I. Jesus is the Son of Abraham (1, 2) a. Jesus is the One in whom God's ancient promises to Abraham find their fulfillment. b. Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." c. God is faithful. He kept his promise. The seed of Abraham is born.

Application: All the nations are blessed by this child who was born. By his life and death and resurrection, anyone can receive the grace of God.

Oh, that the world might know what you know, your lost family members, class mates, coworkers. What an opportunity at Christmas to share your faith.

What a privilege we have to go or to give to those who would go to Asia, Africa, to cities where people do not know the grace that is found in Jesus Christ.

II. Jesus is the Son of David (1, 6) a. “Christ” Greek equivalent of the Hebrew “Messiah”, “anointed one” b. Jesus, anointed son of David. He is the heir to the throne of David c. 2 Samuel 7:16 “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” d. God kept his promise. Jesus is the descendent of David who will rule on David’s throne forever.

I. Christ's birth demonstrates God's power, grace, and faithfulness (1:1-17) A. God's power 1. God preserved his people through the Exile (1:11,12) 2. He caused Jesus to be born by a virgin (1:16)

B. God's grace (1:3,5-7,11,16) all of these people experienced the grace of God and even more so are included in the lineage of Jesus by God’s grace. 1. To women - Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba (3 or 4 known for sexual immorality) (Not the more dignified: Sarah, Rebecca or Rachel)

1. To sinners - David, Bathsheba (adultery and murder) Solomon (pursued multiple women and their false gods) Jeconiah

2. To Gentiles – Rahab (Canaanite), Ruth (Moabite), Bathsheba (possibly a Hittite)?

C. God's covenant faithfulness (1:1-17) 1. To Abraham, To David, To his people

Application: Sin will not be the end of man.The fall will not be the last word over mankind. This is “Grace that is greater than all our sin.” III. Jesus’ birth is the greatest testament to God’s faithfulness. IV. Through millennia, through generations, through rising and falling of kings and kingdoms, through wars and exile, God kept His covenant promises to His people in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Application: 1. Jesus has come. He is coming again. Generations of his people waited, in expectation of his coming. They wondered, “When will the blessing of Abraham come?” “When will the Son of David would take his throne?” Peace, stability, prosperity.

We wait in expectation – the struggles we have will be no more, pain and death will be a memory.

1. He could return today, or tomorrow. The Bible tells us, don’t be unprepared. He will come when we do not expect it. What would you have him find you doing?