The Hope That Does Not Disappoint

Sermon for the First Sunday of Advent: Hope Title: "The Hope That Does Not Disappoint" Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7; Romans 15:12-13

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, We come before You on this first Sunday of Advent with hearts full of expectation and hope. Thank You for the gift of this season, where we remember the promise of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Light who came into the world to shine in our darkness.

As we reflect on the hope that You have given us, may our hearts be open to Your Word and our spirits be renewed by Your presence. Lord, we acknowledge the brokenness and struggles we face, but we trust in Your faithfulness and the promise that You are making all things new.

Holy Spirit, move among us today. Fill us with joy and peace as we place our hope in You. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the source of our hope, and to leave here as bearers of that hope to a world in need.

We dedicate this time to You, Lord, and ask for Your blessing over this message. May it glorify You and draw us closer to the Savior who came to redeem and restore.

In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction:

Welcome to the Season of Advent Begin with a warm welcome: "Good morning and welcome to this sacred season of Advent, the beginning of a new church year, and a time of anticipation, reflection, and preparation."Briefly explain Advent: "Advent is a season of waiting and hope, where we look back to celebrate Christ's first coming and look forward with expectancy to His return."Personal connection: Share a brief story or illustration about waiting and the promise of hope fulfilled (e.g., waiting for good news or a long-anticipated event).

What Was Happening Before Jesus' Coming and Why It Was So Important

Before the birth of Jesus, the world was experiencing a profound sense of spiritual, political, and social darkness. For centuries, the people of Israel had awaited the fulfillment of God’s promises to send a Messiah, but during this time, hope seemed distant. Here’s what was happening leading up to the momentous event of Christ’s birth:

1. Spiritual Silence: The 400 Years of Waiting

After the final prophetic words of Malachi, there was a period of approximately 400 years during which no new prophetic revelation was recorded. This time, often called the "silent years," left the people of Israel longing for a word from God. They clung to the promises in Scripture that foretold a Savior who would bring deliverance and establish God's kingdom.

2. Political Oppression: Roman Domination

By the time of Jesus' birth, Israel was under Roman rule. The people endured heavy taxation, military occupation, and the loss of autonomy. The Jewish people longed for a Messiah who would free them from this oppression, restore their nation, and bring peace.

3. Religious Legalism: Burdens of the Law

During this period, Jewish religious leaders, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees, emphasized strict adherence to the law. For many, faith had become a matter of rituals and rules rather than a relationship with God. This left people feeling burdened and distant from the God who had promised to be their shepherd.

4. A World in Darkness: Universal Need for Redemption

Globally, humanity was struggling under the weight of sin and brokenness. Idolatry, injustice, and moral corruption pervaded society. People yearned for hope, peace, and purpose but found themselves trapped in systems that offered no lasting answers.

The Importance of Jesus’ Coming

The arrival of Jesus was not only the fulfillment of prophecy but also the turning point in history. Here’s why His coming was so vital:

1. The Fulfillment of God’s Promises

Jesus’ birth fulfilled numerous prophecies from the Old Testament. From His lineage as a descendant of David (Isaiah 9:7) to His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), His coming affirmed that God keeps His word and works in His perfect timing.

2. The Light in the Darkness

Jesus was the "great light" promised in Isaiah 9:2. His coming broke the silence of 400 years and brought hope to those living in spiritual and literal oppression. He was the embodiment of God’s presence, bringing truth and grace to a world in need.

3. The Savior of the World

Jesus came not just as a political liberator but as the Savior who would redeem humanity from sin. As the angel announced to Joseph, "You are to give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). His mission went beyond Israel to encompass all nations, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham that all families of the earth would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3).

4. The Establishment of a New Covenant

Through Jesus, God initiated a new covenant, one based on grace rather than the law. This covenant offers forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God through faith in Christ, giving humanity access to the peace and relationship with God that they had longed for.

I. The Darkness Before the Dawn (Isaiah 9:2)

Isaiah 9:2 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.”

Context of Isaiah’s prophecy: The people of Israel lived in a time of oppression and uncertainty, yearning for deliverance.The promise of light: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light."

Application:

Reflect on the darkness in our world today—wars, divisions, and personal struggles—and the universal need for hope.

Illustration:

Imagine being lost in a dense forest at night. The darkness is so thick that even your own hands are invisible in front of you. Every sound around you heightens your fear, and you feel completely alone and hopeless. Then, in the distance, you see the faint glow of a campfire. That small light draws you in, giving you the courage to move forward and find

your way to safety.

Example:

For the Israelites in Isaiah’s time, the darkness of oppression and uncertainty felt overwhelming. The Assyrian Empire threatened their very existence, and they yearned for deliverance. Today, we face our own darkness—wars, broken relationships, personal struggles, and deep divisions in our world. Isaiah’s prophecy of a "great light" reminds us that God’s hope shines brightest in our darkest moments. This light was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who came to illuminate the way out of spiritual darkness.

II. The Source of Our Hope (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Isaiah 9:6–7 “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its 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. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.”

Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled in Jesus: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given."Attributes of the Messiah: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises: "In Christ, we find not only hope for a better tomorrow but hope rooted in God's unchanging character and faithfulness.

Illustration:

Picture a lighthouse standing firm during a fierce storm. The waves crash against it, and the wind howls, but its light remains steady, guiding ships to safety. That lighthouse doesn’t just provide light—it provides hope that safety and refuge are near.

Example:

Isaiah’s prophecy declares Jesus as the ultimate source of hope. His titles—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—reveal His power and care. For example, as a Wonderful Counselor, He provides wisdom in our confusion. As the Prince of Peace, He calms our hearts amid chaos. In a world that shifts and shakes, Jesus is the unchanging lighthouse of God’s promises. This hope isn’t just for a better tomorrow but is rooted in the eternal faithfulness of God.

III. Living in Hope (Romans 15:12-13)

Romans 15:12–13 “And again, Isaiah says: The root of Jesse will appear, the One who rises to rule the Gentiles; the Gentiles will hope in Him. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Paul's message to the church: Jesus is the root of Jesse, the one in whom Gentiles and Jews alike place their hope.The role of the Holy Spirit: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him."Living as hope-bearers: Our hope in Christ should inspire us to be lights in the darkness, sharing His love and peace with the world.

Illustration:

Imagine a room filled with candles. One by one, each candle is lit from a single flame. Soon, the entire room glows with light, and the darkness disappears. Each candle contributes to the brightness, spreading warmth and hope.

Example:

Paul’s message reminds us that Jesus is the root of Jesse—the one who brings hope to both Jews and Gentiles. Through the Holy Spirit, we are filled with joy and peace, enabling us to share this hope with others. Consider someone who has endured hardship yet continues to radiate kindness and encouragement. Their hope in Christ inspires others, just like those candles lighting up a dark room. When we live as hope-bearers, we become lights in the darkness, reflecting God’s love to the world.

IV. Hope Anchored in the Promise of His Return

Advent's dual focus: Celebrating Jesus' first coming and anticipating His return.Revelation 21:3-5:

Revelation 21:3–5 “Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look! God’s dwelling is with humanity, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away. Then the One seated on the throne said, “Look! I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.””

A vision of the future where God dwells with His people, wiping away every tear.Encouragement: "Even as we wait, we hold fast to the promise that our hope is secure because our Savior lives."

Illustration:

Think of a child waiting for their parent to return home after a long trip. They count down the days, holding tightly to the promise that the parent will come back. Their hope isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s rooted in trust and love, which gives them patience as they wait.

Example:

Advent reminds us that Jesus came once as a baby in a manger, but He will return as King to make all things new. Revelation 21:3-5 gives us a beautiful picture of this future, where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more pain or tears. Even as we wait in a world filled with brokenness, we can trust in His promise. Like the child who anticipates their parent’s return, we live with hope, knowing that our Savior’s return is certain and His kingdom will bring perfect peace and joy.

Conclusion: A Hope That Does Not Disappoint

Closing story or illustration: Share a story of someone whose faith sustained them through difficulty because of their hope in Christ.Call to action: "This Advent, let us hold firmly to the hope we have in Jesus. Let us be people who live and share His light in a world yearning for hope."Prayer: Close with a prayer, asking God to fill the congregation with hope and help them reflect Christ's light in the coming weeks.

Advent Practice: Lighting the Candle of Hope

The Meaning of the Advent Wreath and the First Candle

The Advent Wreath is a cherished symbol of this sacred season, rich with meaning that draws our hearts and minds toward the hope we have in Christ. Its circular shape represents God's eternal nature—without beginning or end—and His unchanging love for His people. The evergreen branches symbolize the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, reminding us that even in the darkest seasons, life and hope endure.

Each candle on the wreath holds special significance, marking the weeks of Advent as we journey toward the celebration of Christ’s birth. Today, we light the first candle, known as the Candle of Hope. It stands as a beacon of light piercing through the darkness, echoing the words of the prophet Isaiah:

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2).

The Candle of Hope invites us to reflect on the promises of God that were fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. It also encourages us to place our trust in the certainty of His return, when all things will be made new. As this candle burns, may it ignite within us a renewed sense of expectation and a steadfast hope that does not disappoint, because it is anchored in the faithfulness of our God.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13). Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”