Hope Begins with Christmas – The Heart of Christmas, part 1
During this series, we will look at how hope, peace, joy and love are at the heart of Christmas.
What are you most hopeful for? We all enjoy festive parties, and quality family moments, but what is Christmas really about? Jesus is at the heart of Christmas. His birth, life, and death offers a saving grace we can find nowhere else.
This series centers on the story of Jesus’ birth. It’s meant to help you grow in faith and prepare your heart to focus on the real reason for the season: Jesus!
Jesus’ Birth Brought the Hope We All Need
What are you most hopeful for? In dark and desperate times, it only takes a glimmer of light to bring hope to a person’s heart. In the morning, just before sunrise, a few rays of light reveal the shape of the hills off in the distance. Those few rays of light mean the beginning of daybreak and the hope of a new day beginning. When Isaiah wrote the beginning verses of chapter 9, he was looking forward with great anticipation and hope. He was foretelling the promise of the messiah. The promise and hope that one day the people of God would be restored, and all the wrongs would be made right once again. The birth of Jesus was promised, and the promise came to pass.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 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. 7 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” (Isaiah 9:2-7, NIV).
The Presence of Darkness Threatens Our Hope
If you look at the world today, you might see that the world is hopelessly spiraling down into spiritual darkness. Oh yes, several times in history we have seen or heard of spiritual revivals around the world, but the truth is, society is running further away from God each day. That was often true for the Israelites. The enticement of the world, the sinful hearts of man can overshadow and cut off the joy and hope that was in their hearts. Over time the Israelite people compromised what they knew in their hearts to be true. They drifted spiritually away and believed the lie of the enemy. They forgot about God Almighty and slowly spiraled into spiritual darkness.
However, God has not forgotten or given up on them. The truth of Christmas is still alive. The reason for Christmas remains alive so that people everywhere will not forget God sent his one and only son to be born and that the message of hope is heard all around the world. A savior has been born. Christ the Lord. Immanuel–God with us.
God’s Presence Has Come to Give Us Hope
Jesus has come to give you hope. Hope in the birth of the savior. Hope in the death and resurrection of Christ the Lord. Hope in Jesus gives us reason to the hope in the blessed hope and eternal life with Christ in glory, for all who believe.
Isaiah saw that one day in the future, God would bring a great light and salvation through the birth of a child. It was not until hundreds of years later that Matthew recorded Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem. The prophecy and promise are fulfilled. Jesus offers forgiveness of sin, destruction of evil, and the promise of eternal life to all who believe.
The reason we read Isaiah’s prophecy each year during Christmas is because seeing the faithfulness of God in the past, gives us true abiding hope for the present and hope for the future.
Be encouraged by the scriptures. Know in your heart the blessed hope in Christ the Lord. The grace and mercy of God. The forgiveness of sin. The hope of the resurrection and eternal life with Christ in glory.
Do you have hope for today and tomorrow? Be encouraged by the promises of God and the fulfillment of his promise of a savior. Jesus is God’s promise fulfilled, and that truth should give you hope even in the darkest of night. As you read the scriptures, allow the word of God to breath hope into your heart. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
At The Heart of Christmas Is Hope
Allow this Christmas and the birth of Christ to speak hope to your heart.
Life has many distractions. The world has many enticements competing for your attention. This time of year, you will find celebrations and get togethers of all types. Do not become so distracted by the busyness that you forget the real reason for Christmas. The reason is found in the season’s name, Christmas. The reason is Christ. Christmas is more than a holiday. It is the promise fulfilled, in the birth of the son of God. Remember the promise and look forward to the blessed hope that is yours in Christ the Lord.
Suggested Praise and Worship
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This and other sermons brought to you by Faith Chapel, an Assemblies of God church in Pleasanton, CA.