Embracing Hope: The True Spirit of Advent
Summary
In the sermon titled "Spirit of Christmas: An Advent Anthem" by Ben Bluemel at Freedom Church Jersey, the focus is on the significance of the Advent season as a time of hope, reflection, and anticipation for Christians. The sermon begins with a call to worship and honor Jesus, uniting the congregation in reverence and praise. Bluemel emphasizes the importance of hope during Advent, encouraging the audience to meditate on the hope found in Jesus to renew their expectations and give them strength to persevere. He poses reflective questions about where individuals are waiting on God, how remembering His faithfulness can impact current worries, and where hope lies in light of God's promised future.
Bluemel reflects on the centuries of uncertainty before Jesus' birth, where people lived faithfully in hope without witnessing the fulfillment of God's promises. He stresses the importance of waiting, preparation, anticipation, and hope in our spiritual journeys, and the joy found in the Incarnation of Jesus, which fulfilled these promises. The sermon then shifts to the concept of Christmas present, highlighting that waiting is a common experience in the Christian journey, but it is within the context of a God who fulfills His promises. Bluemel reminds the audience that Jesus is not just an ancient fairy tale but a living and active God who is present with them, emphasizing the intimacy of "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us."
The sermon also touches on the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's guidance, especially during Advent. Bluemel discusses the concept of Christmas future, focusing on the Second Coming of Jesus and the tension Christians live in between the present and the future, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God's redemption and the perfection of His Kingdom.
Bluemel expresses his love for Advent as a time for contemplation and understanding the deeper meaning of Christmas. He encourages the congregation to slow down, reflect, and participate in the historical tradition of Advent, seeking to encounter God in a new way. He suggests exploring the Old Testament to understand the anticipation of Jesus' coming to Earth.
The sermon compares the temporal dimensions of Advent to "A Christmas Carol," urging the audience to engage with the true meaning of Christmas and not let it pass by unnoticed. Bluemel challenges the audience to go deeper in their understanding of Advent and not let the story of Christmas become too familiar. He reflects on the wonder of the prophecies in the book of Isaiah, which speak of events hundreds of years before they happened, pointing to Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Bluemel concludes by questioning the commonly used phrase "Spirit of Christmas" and encourages the congregation to seek a deeper understanding of the Incarnation.
Key Takeaways:
- Hope is a central theme of Advent, and it is through meditating on Jesus that we can find the strength to persevere in our waiting. Reflecting on the hope of Christmas past, present, and future allows us to renew our expectations and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. [01:01:50]
- The anticipation of the Messiah before Jesus' birth serves as a model for our own spiritual journeys. Living in hope, even without seeing the fulfillment of promises, is a testament to faith. We are reminded to wait with anticipation and hope, trusting in a God who has proven His faithfulness through the Incarnation of Jesus. [52:51]
- The message of "Emmanuel" is not just historical but a present reality. The reminder that God is with us can transform our daily lives, offering us a sense of intimacy and closeness with the divine. This understanding should influence how we approach our weeks, knowing that we are never alone. [56:02]
- Advent is not only a time to remember Christ's first coming but also to anticipate His Second Coming. As Christians, we live in the tension of the already and the not yet, holding onto the promise of redemption and the completion of God's Kingdom. This future-oriented hope shapes how we live in the present. [58:39]
- Engaging with the true meaning of Christmas requires a conscious decision to reflect on its deeper significance. By understanding the historical context and the fulfillment of prophecies, we can appreciate the grand story of God's plan and our part in it. Advent is an opportunity to shift our perspective and encounter God in a new and profound way. [47:06]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Spirit of Christmas: An Advent Anthem"
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
2. Isaiah 9:6-7 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."
3. Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the titles given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His character and role? ([47:06])
2. According to Isaiah 7:14, what is the significance of the name "Immanuel"? ([56:02])
3. How does Isaiah 40:31 describe the benefits of waiting on the Lord? ([55:23])
4. In the sermon, what does Ben Bluemel suggest is the purpose of Advent? ([44:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 about Immanuel relate to the concept of "God with us" in the present day? ([56:02])
2. What does the fulfillment of the prophecies in Isaiah 9:6-7 tell us about God's faithfulness and His plan for redemption? ([47:06])
3. How can the message of Isaiah 40:31 provide comfort and strength during times of waiting and uncertainty? ([55:23])
4. Why does Ben Bluemel emphasize the importance of not letting the story of Christmas become too familiar? ([43:33])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were waiting on God for something. How did you see His faithfulness during that period? How can this reflection encourage you in your current waiting? ([54:03])
2. How can you practically remind yourself of God's presence ("Immanuel") in your daily life this week? ([56:02])
3. What specific steps can you take to slow down and reflect on the deeper meaning of Advent this year? ([44:06])
4. In what ways can you engage with the historical context and prophecies of the Old Testament to deepen your understanding of Christmas? ([45:54])
5. How can the hope of Jesus' Second Coming influence your actions and attitudes in the present? ([59:19])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to renew your hope in God's promises. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this area? ([55:23])
7. How can you share the message of hope and the true meaning of Christmas with someone who may be struggling this season? ([42:30])
Devotional
Day 1: Hope Anchors the Soul
Hope in Jesus Christ is the anchor that steadies our hearts in the tumultuous sea of life. During Advent, this hope is not just a wishful thought but a firm assurance that empowers believers to endure periods of waiting and uncertainty. It is the light that guides through darkness, renewing expectations and preparing hearts for the coming of Jesus. [01:01:50]
Hebrews 6:19 - "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to replace anxiety or uncertainty with the hope found in Jesus?
Day 2: Faithful Anticipation
The anticipation of the Messiah throughout history is a testament to unwavering faith. This same spirit of anticipation should permeate the lives of believers today, as they trust in the promises of God and find joy in the fulfillment brought through Jesus Christ. Waiting with hope is an active, faith-filled journey that mirrors the centuries of expectation before the Incarnation. [52:51]
Micah 7:7 - "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a spirit of faithful anticipation in your daily walk with God, even when His promises seem distant?
Day 3: Emmanuel, God With Us
The message of "Emmanuel" is a profound truth that God is intimately present in the lives of believers. This understanding transforms the mundane into the sacred, infusing every moment with divine significance. The Advent season is a reminder that God's presence is not confined to history but is an ever-present reality offering comfort and companionship. [56:02]
Zephaniah 3:17 - "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
Reflection: What changes can you make in your daily routine to become more aware of God's presence with you?
Day 4: Living in the 'Already and Not Yet'
Christians live in the tension of the 'already and not yet,' celebrating the first coming of Christ while eagerly awaiting His return. This future-oriented hope shapes how believers live in the present, encouraging them to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God as they look forward to the redemption and perfection of His Kingdom. [58:39]
1 Peter 1:13 - "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope fully on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to live out the values of God's future Kingdom in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Contemplating the Grand Narrative
Advent invites believers to delve into the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, understanding the historical context and the fulfillment of prophecies. This season is an opportunity to shift perspectives, encounter God in a new way, and ensure that the story of Christmas does not become overly familiar but remains awe-inspiring. [47:06]
Isaiah 29:18 - "In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see."
Reflection: How can you engage with the Old Testament prophecies this Advent to deepen your appreciation for the coming of Christ?
Quotes
"Is your hope in Jesus, the one who will return to bring Salvation to those who are waiting for him eagerly, or has your hope been hijacked by some temporary concerns or situation?" [01:02:38] (Download)
"What difference would it make to this week or even one specific situation that you're currently worried about this week if you remembered God is with you?" [01:03:17] (Download)
"Use these next 14 days to slow down, find a moment, find a gap somewhere to reflect, to prepare your heart and mind for the joy of Christmas." [01:03:58] (Download)
"Advent is not just about the past; it's very much about reflecting on here and now. Emmanuel speaks deeply and powerfully to us today, it speaks of a God who has lived through everything you are living through and it speaks of a God who, whatever you're going through at the moment, is with you now in it." [57:56] (Download)
"As Christians, we will very rarely get everything we want when we want it; that's not how God has ever worked, but we can trust in a God who fulfills his promises." [54:43] (Download)
"We look back to the Incarnation and we find joy in the fact that God fulfilled his promises to his people as Jesus arrived as the baby in a manger, the fulfillment of everything that God's people had been waiting for." [54:03] (Download)
"Have I got too familiar with the message of Christmas? It's so easy to let this time, in particular, fly by without stopping, without reflecting." [43:04] (Download)
"Is there more depth to this? Have I started approaching Christmas a little bit superficially? Is there something more I could get out of it, and is there more to the Incarnation?" [43:33] (Download)
"We are a people of Promise as Christians and this is what we remember at Advent; we're living in the tension between the now and the not yet and we always remember there is more to come." [01:01:12] (Download)
"The message of Advent doesn't fit neatly into a sound bite or a vignette; it's too complex, too deep to compete with glitter and noise, and it's a hard sell in a culture that would rather skip straight to the big finish. But Advent is too important to be forgotten because it is this season that prepares us to encounter our Lord." [45:19] (Download)
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