Christmas Hope

Communion Meditation

Communion Meditation: The Sacrifice That Unites Us

   •   Introduction:

      •   At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world, but His mission was always the cross.

      •   1 Corinthians 11:26: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

      •   Communion reminds us that the baby in the manger grew up to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

   •   Symbolism:

      •   The bread represents Christ’s body, broken for us—a body that began as a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths.

      •   The cup symbolizes His blood, shed for our sins—a gift of grace that fulfills the promise of Christmas: peace on earth and goodwill toward men.

   •   Unity:

      •   Christmas points us to Emmanuel, God with us, and communion reminds us that His presence unites us.

      •   Ephesians 2:13: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

      •   Through His birth and sacrifice, Jesus brings us near to God and to one another.

   •   Reflection:

      •   As we celebrate His birth this season, let’s also remember His death and resurrection.

      •   Examine your heart, thank Him for His forgiveness, and celebrate the hope that started in Bethlehem and culminates in His return.

   •   Closing Prayer:

      •   Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, born to save us. As we celebrate Christmas, help us remember the sacrifice of the cross that brings us forgiveness, hope, and unity. We proclaim His death and resurrection today and look forward to His return. In Jesus’ name, amen.

INTRO

When we think of Christmas it’s hard not get distracted by the commercial nature of it.

My mind has not even shifted to thinking about Christmas

If I’m honest my first thoughts are not celebrating the birth of Christ

My first thoughts are everything I have to do before we get to Christmas morning.

So the big question is… How can Christmas this year bring us hope if we are distracted by so many other things?

Isaiah 9:2-7

Historical Context

The people of Israel are in a hopeless situation

Isaiah is going to provide comfort through sharing God love and mercy.

When we see God’s love, mercy, and grace it helps to center us and remind us what we should truly be focusing on.

That’s what we often need when we distracted by life during this holiday season…

We often just need to be reminded of God’s love, mercy, and grace.

Israel and Syria attacked Judah, so now the Assyrians are being strengthened against them (9:8–11) and have already taken some of their land (9:1).

Israel has not completely fallen, but very soon it will (10:3–4).

The Assyrian army is arriving or is about to arrive on the scene (10:28–32).

God’s people found themselves in a place of helplessness.

We may not be able to connect with a hostile military take over.

But we can identify with feelings of helplessness

Feelings of not being in control

Feelings of being overwhelmed

Feelings of fear

Feelings of heartbreak

This morning we will se that:

Isaiah attempted to convince his listeners that they can hope because God can be trusted even in the most complicated seasons in life.

Isaiah is going to point to the hope we have in Jesus.

TRUTH

Isaiah 9:2 “2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

Isaiah is letting them know that it is dark now but there is a light.

We know that this “light” is in reference to a Davidic King but most importantly this king is Jesus

We know this because:

Isaiah (7:14–15)

Isaiah references Davidic son called Immanuel - God with us.

Isaiah (9:6-7)

The Davidic son is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, who will rule the nation with justice.

Isaiah 9:3–5 “3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.”

Isaiah is drawing picture from the victory that God’s people experienced in Judges:

Gideon defeated the Midianites and they didn’t even have to lift a sword. (turned each other.)

Isaiah is saying that this light

He is coming in victory

Those who will oppress you they will not have the final word.

You will never have to worry about horrific moments like this again.

1. We have hope because we have a God who cares.

Sometimes it’s hard for us to see the beauty of Christ amidst our chaotic lives

Theo loves to cook!

Have you ever watch an 7 year old cook!

It’s chaotic

Flour everywhere, sugar spilled, and chocolate chips scatter on the counter

What’s so amazing is that in the end delightful cookies emerge.

Life can be a mess, much like a 7 year old baking

God takes our scattered moments and shapes them into a hopeful masterpiece.

We can have hope because God has not left us in the mess,

Some of us need to be reminded that you have a God who loves you very much.

He has not left you

He has not forgotten you

He has a plan for you

Christmas is a reminder that we can hope because we have a God who cares enough to meet us in our messy, chaos, and fears.

We can have hope because Christ brings about a masterpiece that we do not deserve.

KEEP READING

Isaiah 9:6 “6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

Isaiah’s

Language is not just of a wishful thinking for a better time, but the confession of Israel’s belief in a divine ruler who will replace once and for all the unfaithful kings

Isaiah’s message highlights the ultimate hope and transformation of Jesus’ reign brings

not just in the future but also in the believer’s daily struggles, empowering us to live with joy and peace.

2. We have hope in A God who Came

The uniqueness of Jesus’s rule and reign is that he came near.

Our hope is rooted in the profound truth that Jesus, unlike any other ruler or deity, came near to humanity.

His incarnation reveals a God who is not distant but intimately involved in our lives.

This nearness assures us that our struggles, fears, and trials are not overlooked.

As Christians, we can draw near to Him in prayer, knowing He sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15).

He is a God who keeps his promises.

God’s character as a promise-keeper anchors our hope.

From the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah to the fulfillment of those promises in Jesus, we see that God is faithful to His word.

This gives us confidence that the promises yet to be fulfilled—such as His return and eternal life—are secure.

We can find hope this Christmas because of:

1. The Promise of God’s Presence

Through Jesus, God’s presence is now with His people through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Because of His coming, we are never alone.

We Find comfort in knowing that God is always with us, especially in times of fear, loneliness, or uncertainty.

• Cultivate an awareness of God’s presence through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word.

2. The Promise of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Jesus’s coming secured our forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Through His sacrificial death, we are justified and brought into a right relationship with God.

• We have an assurance that our sins are forgiven and that nothing can separate you from God’s love.

3. The Promise of Rest

Jesus promises rest to those who come to Him, offering relief from the burdens of sin, worry, and striving.

• Take time to surrender your burdens to Christ, trusting Him to give you peace and strength.

4. The Promise of Eternal Life

Jesus’s coming secures eternal life for all who believe in Him. This is not just a future reality but a present hope that shapes how we live.

But we have a future promise as well.

KEEP READING

Isaiah 9:7 “7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this

3. We have hope in a God who is coming again.

This Christmas, as we look back in wonder at the manger, we look forward in hope to His return, knowing that the same God who came to dwell among us will come again to make all things new.

When our family prepares trips: our kids get excited:

Even scout our dog knows something’s up…

That excitement parallels our readiness and hope as Christians;

we should always be prepared and eager for the day when Christ returns to usher us into the ultimate adventure of eternal life!

When we act upon the things that Christ has called us to do it often supplies the emotions we are looking for when it comes to celebrating the coming of Christ.

FEELING HOPELESS

THREE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BUILD A SENCE OF HOPE THIS CHRISTMAS:

1. Serve Others in Need

Jesus came to serve and sacrifice for others, and we can reflect His love by serving those in need this Christmas. Acts of kindness and generosity bring the hope of Christ to life.

2. Spend Time in Worship and Reflection

Carve out intentional moments during the busy Christmas season to focus on Christ’s coming. Worship and reflection deepen your understanding of the hope He brings.

3. Share the Good News of Christ

The hope of Christmas is meant to be shared. Just as the shepherds proclaimed the news of Jesus’s birth, we are called to tell others about the Savior.

PRAY