God first shared the promise of Emmanuel to King Ahaz—Leader of ancient Judah. It was a violent, rebellious, and fearful time for the king and Judah’s people as Assyrian forces occupied the land and persecuted the people. God offered the King a choice—He could either trust in God or suffer defeat at the hands of his enemies.
God said, “If you do not stand firm in faith, you will not stand at all” (Isaiah 7:9b). God then offered the king a sign, but he refused, so God gave His own sign, one that would be fulfilled long after Ahaz’s demise. “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and you will call Him Emmanuel. (Isaiah 7:14a).
Matthew tells us this ancient, hope-filled prophecy came true in Jesus. The New Testament makes it clear, Jesus, God’s Son, was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy. He was the long-awaited and promised Emmanuel, sent by God to save His people and usher in a new kingdom. He came as the mediator between God and humanity, as our Redeemer, Savior, and Friend.
Two thousand years ago, God looked upon our sin-ravished world, saw our hopelessness and all our futile attempts to make ourselves right with Him, and He did what we could never do on our own—He came to us and when He did, Jesus quite literally became Emmanuel—God with us always and everywhere.
Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as we continue our journey to Christmas and the Rev. Fred Mast brings a special advent message entitled “Omnipresent”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our worship is upbeat and lively, and spirit filled! Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere!
ALL are invited to join in our Advent Study entitled, “Incarnation” where we will rediscover the significance of Christmas. We will meet Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am at the church (110 Indian Cliffs Rd.) in our Fellowship Hall. All are invited—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780.
Mark your calendar and plan to join us for our Inspirational Christmas Eve Service on Friday December 24th at 4 & 6PM. Our services will feature Lessons, Carols, Candlelight and will feature a Brass Quintet (6PM) from the Cottonwood Community Band. Come and experience again the birth of “The Christ Child” who came bringing God’s ultimate gift to all of creation. The entire community is welcome and invited.
So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC. Visit our website at www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you! Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
