Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

The passage Charlie has just read to us is from Isaiah chapter nine, says, “For unto us a child is born, for unto us a Son is given.” It was written 800 years before the birth of Christ.

It is a promise from God to a people who were living in darkness and dispair. A people who were surrounded by their enemies on all sides.

When God spoke through Isaiah He offered them hope. The word of Isaiah spoke of a deliverer who would come and rescue them from their enemies.

Notice Vs. 7 ends with the phrase, “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.” They were searching for a moment in time when the Messiah would come and deliver them from their distress. What they couldn’t see was God’s plan to deliver them from their sin. To save them for eternity.

Well, today on this side of the cross we can see that. We live in that time. We live in the age of God’s accomplished zeal on earth. A time when man can enjoy peace with God because Jesus has come into the world.

He is the Son of God who lived the perfect life and died a substitutionary death. He brought us forgiveness and grace and the promise of a life beyond this world, a promise of living in His presence in heaven forever.

And that is a promise available to everyone. Paul says, “whoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” That means that anyone can hear the Word of God and respond to Him by faith. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done, God’s grace is there for you.

His only requirement is that you call out to Him. That you ask Him for forgiveness. He can save you. He can turn your sorrow into joy and your pain into peace.

Just like these candles represent the Spirit of God, and Jesus is the light of the world.. He fills those who believe with hope, love, peace and joy. And He shines His light into the darkness of our life.

Wont you celebrate this gift that God has given you today? The gift of a Savior Jesus Christ our Lord. (song)