Passage: Matthew 1:18-25

Theme:  The angel, a messenger of God, brings another reason why we need Christmas.  This angel gives Joseph a fuller understanding of God’s plan to be among His people through this One called Jesus and Immanuel.  [Note: There is good cause to take the angelic quote all the way through verse 23).]  With precious insight, we are told He will be called Immanuel—God with us.  We need a God who is with us always just as the name Immanuel reminds us and Jesus promised (Matthew 28:20).