“JESUS THE GIFT OF HOPE” 

Bro. Stephen Powell, December 4, 2022

 

Isaiah 9:2-7 KJV

² The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

³ Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

⁴ For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

⁵ For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

⁶ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

⁷ Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

 

I.  THE WAIT

1. The prophet Isaiah wrote this 700 years before Jesus would enter the scene.
2. Isaiah spoke into a situation where Judah felt powerless, and they were afraid.
3. In a time of great darkness and uncertainty God promised to send a light.
4. Waiting is hard. And so there the world stood for hundreds of years waiting in darkness!

Genesis 12:1-3 KJV

Psalm 89:1-4 KJV

 

II.  THE PROMISE

1. The Bible is full of the promises of God and the promise of the Messiah is woven throughout the entire Word of God.
2. God made a covenant with Abraham and then through David.
3. Through His Promises, God reveals through Abraham and David His plan to save them and not only them but us as well.

 

III. THE HOPE

1. They were waiting on Christ. Christmas was coming and although they were still in captivity, they longed for God to provide a savior who would free them from bondage and sin.
2. They had a wonderful HOPE! They Hoped in a Savior!  They Hoped in Jesus!

Isaiah 7:14-16 KJV

 

IV.  THE REAL GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

1. Too often, we celebrate and anticipate things that do not really matter.
2. We celebrate Christmas for the answered promise of God’s messiah and savior Jesus
3. Today we have Hope because of Christ.

 

What About You?

Do you know the true hope that can only be found in Jesus?

We have a reason to truly hope this Christmas.  Emmanuel God with us.  He brings hope, peace, love, and light in the dark world.