These notes accompany the sermon O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

Introduction

• Big Idea:  As we consider the birth of our Lord Jesus, it is important that we not only embrace the hope of salvation, but we also embrace the warning of judgment that accompanies it, and the absolute certainty of both. 
• Matthew 1:18-25 – Isaiah 7:1-17; Luke 2:11 – Isaiah 9:6-7. 
• For background and context see the online notes page,

The Context of the time of Isaiah 7-9:

• The Time of King Ahaz of Judah, ~735-715 BC.
• Israel split about 930 BC into the Northern Kingdom (often called Israel or Ephraim) and the Southern Kingdom (called Judah).
• Pekah, king of Israel (the Northern Kingdom), and Rezin, king of Syria, were threatening war against Judah (the Southern Kingdom) for not joining them in resistance to the expanding Assyrian Empire.  
• Assyria eventually conquered Israel and Syria (~722 BC), scattering their inhabitants and settling in foreigners.  Assyria attacked Judah, destroying virtually everything except its capital Jerusalem. 

The hope of salvation

• The Lord is on your side.  (See Romans 8:31-38; Num. 14:9; 2 Kgs. 6:16; Ps. 118:6; 1 John 4:4.)
• You are in the privileged position of being God’s people. (See Isaiah 6:5; Lev. 26:12; 2 Cor. 6:16.)

The warning of judgment

• You are facing the certainty of the judgment of God.  (See Isaiah 7:15, 6:5; Luke 5:8; Hebrews 9:27.)

The absolute certainty of both

• A lack of faith leaves us in uncertainty. 
• The first coming of Christ gives us absolute certainty of his second coming. 

Invitation

• Be absolutely certain that you know the Christ of Christmas!  Luke 2:34-35.
• Consider all the turmoil in the world, and understand that it has always been this way.  Then understand that God has accomplished his purposes to this point not just despite the obstacles, but through them!  Acts 4:23-31.
• Worship God this Christmas for his indescribable gift of Jesus Christ, and this will put the cares of this world in perspective.  Romans 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17; 1 Peter 1:5-6.

Other Notes

• Mentions of prophecy fulfilled in Matthew:  Matthew 1:22, 2:15, 2:17, 2:23, 4:14, 5:17, 8:17, 12:17, 13:14, 13:35, 21:4, 26:54, 26:56, 27:9. 
• Other mentions of God with us from the Bible:  Isaiah 7:14, 8:8, 8:10, 9:6, 41:10. Deuteronomy 20:1. Joshua 1:5. 2 Ch 13:12, 33:7-8. Ps 46:7, 11. Pr 11:21. Mt 1:23, 28:20. Ac 5:39. Ro 8:13, 31. 1 J 4:4.
• For some background about the hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” see https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/occasions/christmas/lyrics-o-come-o-come-emmanuel-origins/