Hope Is At The Heart Of Christmas

Bible Passage: Isaiah 9:1–7, Matthew 4:15–16, 1 Corinthians 15:22–25

Write Up: The prophet Isaiah writes one of the most classic of all OT prophecies about the coming birth of Christ. The passage is born of gloom and darkness. The world had felt the full weight of sin and it had wreaked havoc on all of creation. What Isaiah offered was something the Jewish people needed more than anything. Hope. Hope that one day someone would come to make all things right and restore what had been broken. The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of that hope and it offers us hope in our lives today.

Think: The birth of Jesus was something promised that actually came to pass. I can trust that Jesus is still working today and that gives me hope.

Feel: No matter what I am facing in life right now, anything is possible through the birth, life and death of Jesus.

Do: Consider the way God has been faithful in the past and all that to give you hope for the present and future.

Summary: Isaiah’s prophetic announcement of hope during a time of darkness, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus and the promise of His victory over death.

Application: In times of despair and uncertainty, we are encouraged to hold onto the hope that Christmas represents — the hope for personal salvation, healing, and societal restoration. Even in their darkest moments, hope is alive because of Christ's birth and His ultimate victory.

Teaching: The true essence of Christmas is not about material gifts, but about the gift of hope that Jesus brings into our lives. Hope is central to our faith, informing how we navigate life's challenges.

Point to Christ: Christ is depicted as the promised light in darkness (Isaiah), the fulfillment of that promise (Matthew), and the triumphant one over death (1 Corinthians). Together, these passages show that Jesus embodies the hope foretold in the Old Testament and realized in the New Testament.

Big Idea: In the midst of uncertainty and darkness, Advent is a reminder that hope is alive through Christ, who transforms our lives and our world.

1. Promise of Hope

Isaiah 9:1–2

During times of darkness, God's promise of light brings hope.

Isaiah's prophecy speaks to a people in gloom, predicting a future where light dispels darkness.

gloom - thick darkness, thick mist, gathering shadows, obscurity, dimness, depression, despondency, cause to mourn, synonymous with the Hell

Isaiah was perceiving a terrible future revealed to him by God his people living in Samaria would be routed and taken into captivity by Assyria. Yet, even in that gloomy prophetic vision, Isaiah found cause for hope.

At the same time Isaiah used language of the past in reference to this prophesied future, because it included a promise for their future.

In the darkest seasons of our lives, God's promise of light still remains.

Remembering Christ's birth and the hope that he brought, we can anticipate that same divine breakthrough in their own circumstances, reminding them that hope is alive.

2. Promise of Joy

Isaiah 9:3–5

Isaiah brings to his people God's promise to transform their future mourning into joy and their oppression into liberation.

Describing the increase of joy and the shattering of oppressive yokes, connect these verses to God's transformative work through Christ.

Even if the present seems burdensome or bleak, God is actively working to bring joy and freedom through Jesus Christ.

Through Christmas, a deeper joy is possible amid life’s trials.

3. Promise of Peace

Isaiah 9:6–7

The names and attributes given to the coming Messiah in Isaiah:

Wonderful Counselor

Prince of Peace

How they align with Jesus' role.

Encourage listeners to see how Christ, born at Christmas, embodies these roles in their lives today.

Emphasize the government and peace He establishes, inviting the congregation to trust in His everlasting rule.

Christmas-time assures us of that Christ is a benevolent ruler committed to our well-being.

4. Victory Through Christ

Matthew 4:13–16; 1 Corinthians 15:22–25

Jesus' ministry begins the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy as He brings light to those dwelling in darkness.

1 Corinthians, where Christ’s resurrection ensures victory over death, underscoring His role as the ultimate hope.

Inspire the audience to cling to this truth whenever darkness looms, for Christ’s victory is assured, transcending time and circumstances.

Christmas reminds us that through Jesus, the light of hope dispels all darkness, culminating in eternal life.

5. As we move toward Christmas, let us move toward Christ, our true Hope.

Let you fire of your heart be kindled with the unquenchable flame of God’s love for others.

And, let your heart overflow with joy in knowing that you are loved, that all may find peace with God.