God With Us: Emmanuel
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Matthew 1:18-25
Wonder Truth
Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us.
Memory Verse
"They will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us"). – Matthew 1:23
Lesson Image
Leader Prep
Advent 4 focuses on Emmanuel: God with us. Joseph faces confusion and fear when he learns Mary is pregnant. God meets him in a dream and reveals that the Child is from the Holy Spirit and will be named Jesus because He will save His people from their sins. Matthew connects this good news to Isaiah's promise: Emmanuel. As you lead, emphasize God's nearness and faithful love that comes close in Jesus.
Bible Background for Leaders
WHO: Joseph, Mary, an angel of the Lord.
WHAT: God assures Joseph to take Mary as his wife; the baby is conceived by the Holy Spirit; the child will be named Jesus; He fulfills the promise of Emmanuel.
WHERE: Nazareth/Bethlehem setting; dream visitation.
WHEN: Before Jesus' birth; final preparation moments of Advent.
WHY: To reveal that God is not far away—He comes near to save.
KEY TRUTH: God is with us in Jesus—bringing presence, peace, and purpose.
Volunteer Connection Tips
- Keep the tone warm and reassuring: God comes close to help, not to scare.
- Make space for kids to share about worries; connect each worry to "God is with us."
- Use simple, concrete pictures of presence (a light in the dark, a hand to hold).
Key Vocabulary
- Emmanuel: A name that means "God with us."
- Jesus: Means "The Lord saves."
- Promise: God's sure word that He keeps.
- Bible (open during story)
- Small battery candle or flashlight (symbol of presence/light)
- Heart poster titled "God With Us"
- Index cards or paper stars; crayons/markers
- String or tape to create a simple "Emmanuel" banner
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes to set up candle/flashlight and banner area.
Leader Prayer:
"Emmanuel, thank You that You are with us. Calm our fears and fill our time with Your presence. Help me lead with Your peace. Amen."
Curiosity
Welcome Question (displayed):
"When do you feel most safe or comforted?"
Before Kids Arrive:
- Place the battery candle/flashlight in the center of your group space.
- Write the word "Emmanuel" on a board or poster.
- Pray that children who feel worried will experience God's nearness today.
"Where do you feel safe—at home, with a certain person, or in a cozy spot? Today we hear that God is with us. That means we are never alone."
Curiosity Activity – Light in the Middle
Purpose: A simple picture of God's presence.
- Gather children in a circle around the candle/flashlight. Turn it on.
- Say: "This light reminds us: even when it feels dark or confusing, God is with us."
- Invite one or two kids to share a time they needed comfort.
"Let's hear how God encouraged Joseph and promised to be with all of us."
Belief
Prayer of Invitation:
"Lord, be with us as we listen to Your Word. Help us trust You. Amen."
Bible Time Rhyme (with motions)
"Open God's book, let's take a look!
God's Word is true, for me and you!"
Storytelling (Matthew 1:18–25)
- Joseph learns that Mary is pregnant; he plans to send her away quietly so she is not shamed.
- God sends an angel in a dream: "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby is from the Holy Spirit."
- "You are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."
- This fulfills the promise: "They will call Him Emmanuel—which means God with us."
- Joseph wakes up, obeys God, and takes Mary as his wife.
Object Moment – Name Meanings
- Ask: "Do you know what your name means?" Invite a couple of kids to share.
- Say: "Jesus means 'The Lord saves.' Emmanuel means 'God with us.' These names tell us who He is and what He does!"
Discussion Prompts
- "How did God help Joseph when he was worried?"
- "What do Jesus and Emmanuel mean?"
- "How does it help you to know that God is with you?"
"Our truth today is: Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us. Wherever we go, He is near."
Teach with motions:
- Hands to mouth ("They will call")
- Trace a name in the air ("Immanuel")
- Arms wide like a hug ("God with us")
Faith
Invite children to bring worries to Jesus and practice trusting that He is close. Keep language gentle and hopeful.
- "Where do you need God's help this week?"
- "Who is someone God might want you to comfort?"
- "What could you pray when you feel afraid?" ("Jesus, be with me.")
- "How does Emmanuel change the way you handle worry or stress?"
- "What is one choice you can make to show you trust that God is with you?"
- "Where do you see God's presence at school or home?"
Interactive Faith Response – Emmanuel Stars
- Give each child a star or card. Write: "God is with me when _____."
- Children fill in the blank, then place stars around the heart poster.
- Say together: "Emmanuel—God with us!"
"God is with us, so we can be people of peace and kindness."
Identity
Craft – Name Ornament: Emmanuel
Supplies: Paper circles or ornament shapes, string, markers, optional stickers.
- Write "Emmanuel" on one side and "God with us" on the other.
- Add Matthew 1:23 in small print.
- Punch a hole and tie a string to hang.
"Because we belong to Jesus, we carry His presence everywhere we go. You are not alone—ever."
Closing
"Say it with me: Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us."
Practice Matthew 1:23 with motions (call, write name, big hug arms).
Closing Prayer (repeat-after-me)
"Dear Jesus," (pause)
"Thank You for being with us." (pause)
"Calm our fears and fill us with peace." (pause)
"Help us share Your comfort with others." (pause)
"Amen."
"May Emmanuel go before you, beside you, and within you. You are loved and never alone."