O Come Emmanuel

The Sign of Emmanuel was what some scholars call a duel prophesy. We so often only think of it in the context of it's fulfillment in Jesus. But it had an earlier fulfillment as well, with King Ahaz. (Read Isaiah 7 and 8) Emmanuel for the Christian mean's joy, salvation, Christmas! For Ahaz it meant judgement, war, rebellion. It mean's that for the Christian too. The JOY of Christmas is mingled with the BRUTALITY of the cross. This is why we sing in joyful sorrow, "O come o come Emmanuel".
Sermon Delivered to the Galena Bible Church by Pastor Chris Kopp, Sunday December 13th, 2015.