Hope and Joy in Christ: The Christmas Promise
Summary
The sermon explores the profound hope and joy found in Jesus Christ, particularly as prophesied by Isaiah and fulfilled in the New Testament. The speaker begins by acknowledging the distress and darkness that many face, emphasizing that the Christmas season offers hope amidst pain. Isaiah's prophecies are highlighted, promising a new day dawning, symbolized by light and joy. The speaker then transitions to the New Testament, where Jesus is identified as the fulfillment of these prophecies, bringing light to those living in darkness as described in Matthew 4:12-17.
The sermon further delves into the historical context of Isaiah's prophecies, discussing the division of Israel and the impending judgment on the northern kingdom by Assyria. This period of gloom sets the stage for the birth of Jesus, who is presented as the hope of the world. The speaker contrasts Jesus' first coming as a humble baby with his anticipated second coming as a reigning king, urging listeners to be ready for that day by accepting Christ as their savior.
The global impact of Jesus' ministry is underscored with a story of a church planter in Africa, illustrating the spread of the gospel beyond Israel to all nations. The speaker also touches on personal transformation, noting that Jesus brings joy and newness to the outcasts and those longing for change, such as in their marriages.
The sermon series "The Song of Christmas" is introduced, framing the Christmas story as an orchestral masterpiece with roots in the Old Testament. Isaiah is presented as the evangelistic prophet who foretells Jesus' lineage, birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. The speaker emphasizes Jesus' kingly nature, his divine attributes, and his role as the prince of peace, bringing shalom to the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Isaiah's prophecies serve as a beacon of hope, foretelling the coming of Jesus who brings light to our darkest times. This message is particularly poignant during the Christmas season, reminding us that the true meaning of this time is found in the hope and joy that Jesus offers, not in the festivities and celebrations that often overshadow his presence. [37:02]
- The victory of Gideon over the Midianites in the Old Testament is a precursor to the ultimate victory brought about by Jesus Christ. This miraculous victory, which only God could orchestrate, is a testament to the power of divine intervention in human affairs, and it foreshadows the greater victory over sin and death achieved through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. [39:59]
- Jesus' dual nature as fully human and fully divine is central to Christian theology. His titles, such as "Wonderful Counselor" and "Mighty God," reflect his wisdom and power, while "Eternal Father" and "Prince of Peace" emphasize his caring and reconciliatory roles. Understanding these aspects of Jesus' character can provide believers with the specific comfort and guidance they need in various circumstances. [47:19]
- The concept of a "now and not yet" kingdom is crucial to understanding the Christian faith. While Jesus currently reigns at the right hand of the Father, the full expression of his kingdom will only be realized upon his return. This tension between the present experience of salvation and the future hope of Christ's reign encourages believers to live in anticipation of the complete fulfillment of God's promises. [53:19]
- Jesus' role as the "Eternal Father" is not about paternity but about his redemptive work that creates a new family of the redeemed. Through his sacrifice, Jesus brings into existence a spiritual family bound by faith, offering peace with God and the promise of eternal life. This transformative power of Jesus' love and sacrifice is a cornerstone of the Christian message. [49:16]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 9:1-7
- Matthew 4:12-17
#### Observation Questions
1. What regions are mentioned in Isaiah 9:1, and why are they significant in the context of the prophecy? ([32:01])
2. According to Isaiah 9:2, what transformation is promised to the people walking in darkness? ([38:11])
3. How does Matthew 4:12-17 connect Jesus to the prophecy in Isaiah 9? ([41:27])
4. What are the titles given to the child in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about his nature? ([45:32])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the historical context of Isaiah's prophecy important for understanding the hope it offers? ([33:13])
2. How does the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in Jesus' ministry provide hope to those in distress today? ([37:07])
3. What does the dual nature of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine mean for believers? ([46:53])
4. How does the concept of a "now and not yet" kingdom shape our understanding of Jesus' reign and the current state of the world? ([53:46])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a season of darkness. How can the promise of a new day dawning in Jesus bring you hope in your current situation? ([38:11])
2. The sermon mentioned that Jesus brings joy and newness to the outcasts and those longing for change. How can you share this message of hope with someone in your life who is struggling? ([43:40])
3. Considering the titles of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, which aspect of Jesus' character do you need most in your life right now (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace)? How can you seek this aspect of Jesus in your daily walk? ([50:03])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of being ready for Jesus' second coming. What steps can you take to ensure you are living in anticipation of Christ's return? ([55:20])
5. How can you actively participate in spreading the light of Jesus to those living in darkness, as illustrated by the story of the church planter in Africa? ([43:40])
6. The sermon highlighted the transformative power of Jesus' love and sacrifice. How has Jesus' redemptive work created a new family for you, and how can you contribute to this spiritual family? ([49:21])
7. Reflect on the "now and not yet" nature of God's kingdom. How does this understanding impact your daily life and your hope for the future? ([53:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Hope Shines in Our Darkness
In times of distress and uncertainty, the message of Isaiah offers a beacon of hope, foretelling the coming of Jesus who illuminates our darkest moments. As the Christmas season approaches, it's a reminder that the true joy of this time lies in the hope and light that Jesus brings, transcending the festivities and celebrations. [37:02]
Isaiah 9:2 - "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced darkness this year, and how can you seek the light of Christ to illuminate those areas of your life?
Day 2: Victory Through Divine Intervention
The Old Testament story of Gideon's triumph over the Midianites serves as a precursor to the ultimate victory Jesus brings. This miraculous event, orchestrated by God, foreshadows the greater victory over sin and death that Jesus secures through His life, death, and resurrection. [39:59]
Judges 7:22 - "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords."
Reflection: How does the story of Gideon's victory inspire you to trust in God's power in your own battles?
Day 3: Embracing the Fullness of Jesus
Jesus' dual nature as fully human and fully divine is a profound mystery that lies at the heart of Christian faith. His titles, such as "Wonderful Counselor" and "Mighty God," reflect the depth of his wisdom and power, while "Eternal Father" and "Prince of Peace" reveal his nurturing and reconciliatory nature. [47:19]
Colossians 2:9 - "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."
Reflection: Which aspect of Jesus' character do you need to lean on today, and how can that understanding shape your interactions with others?
Day 4: Living in the 'Now and Not Yet'
The Christian life is marked by the tension of living in the 'now and not yet' kingdom of God. While Jesus reigns at the Father's right hand, the fullness of His kingdom is yet to come. This anticipation calls believers to live in hope and prepare for the future fulfillment of God's promises. [53:19]
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: What does it mean for you to live in anticipation of Jesus' return, and how does this hope influence your daily actions?
Day 5: The Redemptive Work of the Eternal Father
Jesus, the "Eternal Father," is not about earthly paternity but signifies His redemptive work that forges a new spiritual family. Through His sacrifice, Jesus unites believers as siblings in faith, offering peace with God and the promise of eternal life. [49:16]
Ephesians 2:19 - "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household."
Reflection: How does the concept of being part of God's spiritual family change your perspective on your relationships with other believers?
Quotes
"The reason why we celebrate Christmas is not so we can mask our pain or we can medicate our pain, but we can find hope in the midst of our pain. That that's why Jesus came." [38:08] (Download)
"The new day comes in the person of Jesus Christ. That Jesus brings the new day. That Jesus makes all things new. That if any man is in Christ, he's a new creation. The old is gone and the new has come." [45:16] (Download)
"Jesus is the light of the world. And that light could not be put out. Here comes Jesus. And he says he's expanding the nations, like Isaiah said. No longer is the gospel only for Israel, but it's for all nations." [43:11] (Download)
"Here comes Jesus bringing joy to the outcasts, joy to the depressed, joy to the marginalized, joy to the hurting. Here comes Jesus breaking the bonds and the chains of sin and addiction and oppression." [43:51] (Download)
"Christ has come. And joy and light and hope and peace are found in him. Do you know it? Have you bent your knee to King Jesus?" [58:43] (Download)
"He is the prince of peace. But let me remind you that while Jesus brings all these things to us, He is king. That means we submit to him. And all these things are ours when we submit ourselves to Lord Jesus." [51:19] (Download)
"The promise of a new kingdom that is rising. The dominion will be vast, and his prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever." [52:37] (Download)
"Now, on this side of history, we can look back on that and we can say we know exactly when that day dawned because that day dawned at the coming of Jesus Christ." [41:39] (Download)
"The first time he came, he came as a little baby. The next time he comes, he comes as a reigning, ruling king. So his next coming is either good news or bad news for you." [55:42] (Download)
"Our hope is found in Christ. The song of Christmas is all about Jesus. Isaiah is just pointing to Jesus. It's all about Jesus." [57:23] (Download)
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