The sermon emphasizes the need for revival through humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways, as outlined in 2 Chronicles 7:14. It calls for personal and communal introspection, urging believers to create an environment conducive to God's transformative work by acknowledging their dependence on Him.

This sermon reveals that the profound longing of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is a gospel cry for God's presence to ransom us from our spiritual exile, redeem us from our enslavement to sin, and restore our emaciated souls. By embracing the truth that Emmanuel—God with us—has come in the person of Jesus Christ, we are freed from spiritual gloom and are given a key to the eternal life where we will forever behold His majesty.

This sermon encourages Christians, as a new spiritual temple and holy priesthood, to live lives filled with God's presence by offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. Rooted in gratitude for Christ's ultimate sacrifice, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to use their unique gifts for the glory of God, the edification of the church, and the advancement of the gospel.

This sermon teaches that the name Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," is the profound truth of the Christmas season, revealing Jesus as both fully God and fully man, who drew near to humanity to offer salvation. It challenges believers to move beyond a superficial understanding of this truth and live fully for Him, because He is with us.

This sermon uses the image of a thirsty deer from Psalm 42 to describe the experience of spiritual drought and longing for God. It offers believers four practical ways to combat this feeling: by honestly pouring out their hearts to God, remembering His past faithfulness, relocating their hope in Him, and actively preaching truth to themselves.