When the Angel instructs Joseph to name the baby Jesus- The mission of this child becomes clear-
"...and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Jesus came not because we needed a celebration, but because we needed a savior. We needed a rescuer from the power of sin and death.

Matthew doesn’t leave his audience in suspense either- He makes it clear in telling the Christmas Story-This is Immanuel-This child is God with us.

These two names together express the real meaning of the story of Christmas. God is with us- present with his people. His actions are aimed at rescuing his people.

This is Christmas, this is the story of Jesus. His presence changes everything.

At Christmas we celebrate the coming of Jesus. There is great reason to celebrate and remember this event.

But Easter brings us the promise of His permanent presence in the hearts of those who are for Him.

This is the promise Matthew concludes his gospel with in Chapter 28. Literally the whole story of Jesus in Matthew is bookended by Presence.
After Jesus, that baby in the manger, grew up. He performed miracles. He showed us what it was to love like the Father, serve like the Father. And then he died, a criminal's death on a cross. And after 3 days, he rose again. He conquered death and now, the resurrected Jesus is about to go back to heaven. And before he does, He tells his disciples - his closest followers - something that we need to remember today: