THE SILENCE 1

THE SILENCE

Opening Visualization

I would ask that you indulge me. Can I ask you all to close your eyes and imagine!

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Allow your mind to become still, focused, and open to the work of the Holy Spirit.

Picture yourself standing beneath the vast, starry night sky. Gaze upwards, marvelling at the infinite expanse of the cosmos. The twinkling stars seem to dance and shimmer, captivating your attention.

Suddenly, your eyes are drawn to a single, radiant star that shines brighter than all the others. This celestial beacon seems to pulsate with a divine energy, as if beckoning you to follow its lead. A sense of anticipation and wonder fills your heart, for you know that this is no ordinary sight.

Slowly, the scene shifts, and you find yourself transported to a field outside Bethlehem. Shepherds are tending their flocks, the night quiet and calm. Suddenly, the stillness is shattered by the appearance of an angel of the Lord, whose glorious light illuminates the sky. The shepherds tremble in fear, their hearts pounding as they witness the angel proclaiming the birth of the Savior. The angel, with a powerful and comforting presence, declares, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

As the angel's words resonate in your heart, suddenly, the angel is joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests." The night sky fills with their divine presence, and you feel the tangible awe and wonder of this holy moment.

Next, imagine the Magi, wise men from the East, following that same radiant star. They travelled great distances, bearing precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, to honour the newborn King. They were filled with awe and reverence, recognizing the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the significance of this divine event.

As you continue to follow the star, you find yourself arriving at a humble, unassuming stable in Bethlehem. Peering inside, your breath catches in your throat at the sight that unfolds before you. There, nestled in a simple manger, lies a newborn child, His face aglow with a heavenly radiance. Surrounding Him are a young couple, Mary and Joseph, their expressions filled with awe, reverence, and profound love.

The air is charged with the tangible presence of the divine, and you feel a deep stirring in your spirit. The shepherds fall to their knees, worshiping the child and praising God for this miraculous event. The Magi present their gifts, bowing before the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, our Savior, the Alpha and the Omega, Jesus Christ, the matchless, glorious, and beautiful name.

You realize that you are witnessing the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world. A profound sense of reverence and holy awe washes over you, leaving you humbled and captivated by the magnitude of this moment.

The scene begins to fade, but the weight of this vision lingers, etched into the depths of your soul. You find yourself back in the present, your heart overflowing with a renewed sense of wonder and anticipation for the message that is about to be shared.

Take a deep breath and open your eyes, allowing the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart and mind to receive the truth that will soon be proclaimed. Let the fire of God's love ignite a passion within you, as you prepare to encounter the Savior in a profound and life-changing way.

(Opening Prayer):

Gracious and Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble and expectant hearts. We ask that You open the eyes of our understanding, that we may behold the wonders of Your Word. Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us, ignite us with the fire of Your presence, and fill us with a deep longing to know You more.

Lord, we invite You to have Your way in this place. Silence every voice that is not from You and let Your truth reign supreme. Cover us with Your favor and grant us the peace that surpasses all understanding. We bind and cast out any spirit that is not from You, for we know that You alone are worthy of our worship and devotion.

Holy Spirit, move mightily among us. Revive our hearts, transform our lives, and empower us to be living testimonies of Your redeeming grace. We trust in Your perfect timing and sovereign plan, for You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

With expectant faith, we receive all that You have for us today. Speak to us through Your Word, and may our lives be a reflection of the boundless love and grace that flow from the manger in Bethlehem. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

(Transition into the Message):

“The scene fades, but the weight of that vision remains. A newborn King, a humble birth, a world yearning for hope. But before that glorious night, there was a silence. A profound, unsettling silence that stretched across four centuries. Tonight, we don’t just observe that silence; we enter into it. We feel its weight, we hear its echoes, and we discover the fiery message of hope that was forged within its depths.”

(Message):

I. The Silence: A Crucible of the Soul: Four hundred years. Imagine the spiritual landscape: no open visions, no burning bush experiences, no thundering pronouncements from heaven. The prophets of old were gone, their voices silenced. For generations, the people of Israel lived in a spiritual wilderness, a dry and thirsty land where the whispers of God seemed distant and faint (Psalm 63:1). This wasn’t just a historical period; it was a crucible, a testing ground for the soul. It was a time of questioning, of wrestling with doubt, of feeling the very real pain of perceived abandonment. Did they cry out, “Has God forgotten us? Has He turned His face away?” (Psalm 77:7-9). I believe the very air was thick with this unanswered cry.

This resonates with the deepest parts of our human experience. Have you ever felt that way? In the midst of personal trials, in the face of unanswered prayers, have you felt the chilling silence of heaven? The temptation to believe that God is distant, uncaring, or even absent? This is the very same struggle the Israelites faced during those long, silent years.

But I hear the Spirit saying, “Even in the silence, I am present. Even in the darkness, I am working.” The silence was not emptiness; it was a womb, gestating the promise of salvation. It was a forge, shaping the hearts of God’s people for the coming of the Messiah.

II. God’s Hidden Hand: A Cosmic Battle: The silence wasn’t a vacuum; it was a battlefield. While the world carried on with its empires rising and falling, a cosmic war was raging in the unseen realms. Principalities and powers clashed, vying for control of the hearts of humanity (Ephesians 6:12, Daniel 10:12-13). God was not passive during this time. He was actively working, weaving together the tapestry of history, preparing the stage for the grand entrance of His Son. He was turning the enemy’s plans on their head, using the darkness to bring forth the greatest light the world has ever known (Romans 8:28).

Think of the intricate workings of a clock. You see the hands moving smoothly, but behind the face, a complex system of gears and springs is working tirelessly. So too, behind the veil of silence, God’s intricate plan was unfolding, each piece falling perfectly into place. I sense the fire of the Holy Spirit here tonight! He is reminding us that even when we don’t understand His ways, His purposes are always perfect. He is a God who works in the shadows, who brings forth life from death, who turns sorrow into joy.

III. The Silence Breaks: The Incarnation of Hope: And then…the silence shattered. Not with a roar, but with a cry. A tiny cry from a manger in Bethlehem. The Word became flesh, God became man, Immanuel – God with us (John 1:14). The arrival of Jesus was the ultimate answer to the centuries of silence. It was God’s ‘yes’ to humanity, His declaration of unwavering love, His promise of redemption. The light had finally pierced the darkness, bringing hope to a world lost in despair.

Feel the anointing of the Holy Spirit in this place! He is reminding us of the power of that moment, the power of the incarnation. Jesus didn’t just come to visit; He came to dwell among us, to share our humanity, to bear our burdens, and to offer us eternal life.

IV. Jesus: The Messiah, Emmanuel: Jesus' birth was the fulfillment of countless prophecies, heralding a new era of hope and salvation. Isaiah 9:6 declares, “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.” Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, bringing divine presence into our lives.

The prophecies about Jesus are numerous and compelling. Consider this:

Born of a Virgin: Isaiah 7:14 prophesied, "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 foretold, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

Lineage of David: Jeremiah 23:5 predicted, "The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land."

Statistically, the probability of one person fulfilling just eight of these prophecies is one in one hundred quadrillion. Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies, providing overwhelming evidence of His identity as the Messiah.

I suppose it could be suggested that Jesus was a clever conman who deliberately set out to fulfill these prophecies in order to show that he was the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. The problem with that suggestion is, first, that the sheer number of them would have made it extremely difficult. Second, humanly speaking he had no control over many of the events. For example, the exact manner of his death was foretold in the Old Testament (Isaiah 53), the place of his burial and even the place of his birth (Micah 5:2). Suppose Jesus had been a conman wanting to fulfill all these prophecies. It would have been a bit late by the time he discovered the place in which he was supposed to have been born!

His mission was clear: to save, to give life, to set captives free, to deliver, and to heal. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus proclaimed, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

V. The Dry Season: Trials and Tribulations: In our spiritual journey, we often encounter dry seasons—times of trials, hardships, and loss. These periods can feel like walking through a desert, with our souls yearning for God's presence. Yet, it is in these moments that our faith is tested and refined. In James 1:2-4, we are encouraged to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This scripture reminds us that our struggles are not in vain; they serve to strengthen our faith and prepare us for greater things.

During these dry seasons, it is essential to remember that God is with us. In Deuteronomy 31:6, we are reassured, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Even when we feel abandoned, God is walking beside us, protecting us, and guiding us.

VI. Spiritual Preparation and Refinement: The dry season is a time of spiritual preparation and refinement. Through pain and hardships, we are being seasoned and tested. In Romans 5:3-5, Paul writes, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” These trials are opportunities for us to lean in closer and deepen our relationship with God. In the silence and stillness, we can hear His voice more clearly and draw strength from His presence.

VII. The Echoes of Silence: A Message for Today: The story of the 400 years of silence is not just a historical footnote; it’s a living message for us today. It reminds us that God is always faithful, even when we can’t see Him working. It teaches us to trust in His timing, even when we don’t understand His ways. Perhaps you’re in a season of silence right now. Perhaps you're facing trials that seem insurmountable. Remember that God is with you. He is working behind the scenes, preparing you for greater things. Lean in closer, deepen your faith, and know that God is with you, preparing you for greater things.

Conclusion: As we leave this place today, let us remember the teachings of Jesus and strive to embody love and compassion in all that we do. By loving God and our neighbours, and by showing mercy and kindness to everyone we encounter, we fulfill the greatest commandments and spread the light of Christ in the world. Even in the dry seasons, let us trust in God's presence and His plan for our lives. Lean in closer, deepen your faith, and know that God is with you, preparing you for greater things.

(Closing Prayer):

Heavenly Father, our hearts overflow with a deep and reverent awe as we reflect on the profound revelation of Your faithfulness, even in the midst of silence. We thank you for the powerful lesson of the 400 years, a testament to Your hidden work, Your unwavering love, and your perfect timing. We acknowledge, Lord, that there are times in our own lives when we experience similar seasons of silence, when the heavens seem closed, and our prayers seem to echo unanswered.

Holy Spirit, we ask for Your divine illumination. Remind us, in these moments of perceived silence, that You are not absent. You are not distant. You are actively working, orchestrating events according to Your perfect plan. You are fighting battles in the unseen realms, contending for our souls against the principalities and powers of darkness, just as You did during those long centuries of waiting. We thank you for the spiritual warfare that was waged in the silence, for the unseen battles that paved the way for the coming of our Savior.

We plead the precious blood of Jesus over every heart in this place, over every life represented here. We declare that the blood of Jesus speaks a better word, a word of forgiveness, of healing, of deliverance, and of victory. We thank you, Lord, for the victory won at the cross, for it is through Your sacrifice that we have been redeemed, that we have been set free from the power of sin and death.

Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we stand before you today as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart for Your glory (1 Peter 2:9). We are joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), partakers of His divine nature. We are the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13), conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37), the elect of God (Romans 8:33), victorious in every battle because of the power of His resurrection.

Lord, we pray specifically for those who are currently enduring their own "silent seasons." Comfort them with Your presence, strengthen them with Your Word, and reveal Yourself to them in a tangible way. May they find solace in Your unfailing love, peace in Your perfect will, and renewed hope in Your eternal promises. Break the power of fear, doubt, and despair that seeks to grip their hearts.

We thank you for the glorious breaking of the silence in the birth of Jesus, the ultimate expression of Your immeasurable love and the fulfillment of all prophecy. May the radiant light of His incarnation shine brightly in our hearts, dispelling every shadow of doubt and fear, and filling us with unwavering hope and unwavering faith. In the mighty, matchless, and magnificent name of Jesus, the breaker of silence, the light of the world, our Lord and our Savior, we pray. Amen.

(Invitation - ):

As we prepare our hearts to receive prayer and ministry this day, we acknowledge the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit moving powerfully in this place. We have journeyed through the theme of silence, and perhaps some of you resonate deeply with that feeling.

Is there anyone here who is feeling the weight of a personal "silent season"? Have you been crying out to God and feeling like your prayers are unanswered? Are you struggling with doubt, fear, or a sense of abandonment? Are you feeling unworthy of God's love because of shame, brokenness, or past mistakes?

Beloved, hear the word of the Lord: Jesus came to break the silence. He came to bring light into darkness, hope into despair, and love into a world longing for connection. He is the Savior who embraces the broken, the outcast, and the weary. His love knows no bounds, and His grace is sufficient for every need.

Perhaps you are not only experiencing a spiritual silence, but you are also battling physical or emotional pain. Perhaps you are bound by chains of addiction, fear, or oppression. Perhaps you need a touch from the Healer, a word of deliverance, a release from the burdens you carry.

If you are carrying a heavy load of unanswered prayers, if you feel rejected or abandoned, if you are struggling with your faith in this silent season, or if you need healing and deliverance in any area of your life, I invite you to come forward. Be not afraid, for the God of all comfort, healing, and deliverance is here, ready to pour out His love and restoration upon you. Open your hearts and let the transformative power of Jesus flow over you and in you, breaking the silence in your life, setting you free from every bondage, and igniting a new passion, Blowing refreshing wind of fire to ignite you within, to lift you out of stagnation. Come, and experience the breaking of the silence. Come, and encounter the living God. Come, and receive His healing . Our Lord is saying COME, Amen.