Christmas Delivered

Isaiah 9:2–7 NASB95

2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. 3 You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; They will be glad in Your presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. 5 For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. 6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.

INTRO: Have you ever ordered something online and then when the package comes, either the item is damaged or not at all what you were expecting? Maybe you ordered a Christmas gift, but when it came, it looked cheap or didn’t work. Or, maybe you ordered what you thought would be a classy nativity set to upgrade the old one, only for it to come looking like it was delivered by one of those drones that dropped it from 100 ft.… and then the UPS driver ran over it.

And when something like that happens, we tend to become a little hesitant about ordering from that place again, don’t we? We lose our confidence in the company and it mars our experience.

When it comes to Christmas- and especially the church, there are folks who have maybe been sold on a counterfeit gospel or have deconstructed, experienced hurts, or have been let down in some way that taints their view of Jesus. Maybe you know someone like this… maybe you know someone who is a bit hesitant when it comes to Jesus. Maybe they like the idea, but don’t trust that this is real. If that describes you, then you are in the right place.

This morning, I want to show you that the God of the Bible is trustworthy. The God of the Bible always delivers on His promises. He has never failed. He will never fail.

And while I cannot promise all your Christmas packages will arrive on time and as expected, I can guarantee that the promise of Christmas is sure. The book of Isaiah was written some 700 years before the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. And to this prophet, God revealed the promise that we know as Christmas. And while there are over 300 of OT prophecies about Jesus (all fulfilled, btw), I want to present a few of Isaiah’s and connect them for us this morning.

My hope is simple: I want to help you build confidence in Christ… not only in the celebration of Christmas, when God took on flesh in the person of Jesus, but also confidence in that which is still yet to come. We will do this by looking at God’s track record in this brief passage. And here’s the thing: when our confidence in Christ is high, our testimony is more likely to shine forth.

So, think of this message as a trimming of a wick in an oil lantern that allows the flame to burn brighter or for some, a refilling of oil or a spark that ignites the light and pokes holes in the darkness of unbelief.

If you picked up a bulletin, you will notice a sermon guide on the inside flap. Don’t worry, these are short points. :) I encourage you to take notes, fill in the blanks, and return to this guide so that you may be built up in the Lord this week. Let us dive in:

This section is written in poetic form. Some might call it poetic prophesy or prophetic poetry. The reason that matters is that it is written in order to be heard. It’s not simply a record, it’s a declaration. And through this whole chapter, Isaiah uses the tools of poetic grammar to emphasize and illustrate the message he brings forth.

He is speaking to a people who were facing some dark days. The northern Kingdom of Israel would be invaded and humbled by the Assyrians. But Isaiah is sharing a message that goes beyond that to a time of deliverance. This deliverance would not look like what man might expect. Just like the army that Gideon led which was smaller and in no way should have won the battle, God used them to show His power to deliver His people.

Isaiah speaks of a time that God will deliver on His promises… we call this time Christmas. I believe that many of us long for the fulfillment of these promises. The good news is that God is trustworthy. Notice how Isaiah progresses through these verses and how each of these promises invites us today to reflect upon the hope of Christ this Christmas.

The first promise of Christmas we see is in verse 2, and it is:

The Promise of Light (2)

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Though darkness may seem to prevail, God promised that the very people who walk in darkness would see a great light.

ILL: This is perhaps one of the greatest images. How many of you have been in a room so dark, you could not see your hand in front of your face? To navigate in this space is tricky at best… especially if you are unfamiliar with the hazards! That poor pinky toe is gonna get stubbed. You will probably knock something over… and worst of all? You don’t even know if you’re headed in the right direction.

But- when there is a light- even a little light - the picture changes. But when the room light comes on, you can see everything! What was once hidden in the dark is now visible.

Now think about that promise. If you are in the dark- hopeless, discouraged… you see no way out. But the promise of light is one that transforms our thinking. For the nation of Israel, their sin and disobedience led to darkness. Not only through the domination of a foreign nation, but in their relationship with God.

Yet, God in His faithfulness, at just the right time, sent Jesus. The Gospel of John begins with the proclamation that this Jesus fulfilled the promise of light. John 1:1-5

John 1:1–5 NASB95

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Listen to how Jesus connects this promise to himself in John 8:12

John 8:12 NASB95

12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

And again in John 12:46

John 12:46 NASB95

46 “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.

Jesus is the light by which we can see God and walk in truth, no longer deceived nor darkened in our understanding. Friend, God always delivers on His promises! So, let’s look at:

The Promise of Gladness (3)

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Gladness is used 3 times in this verse. The picture here, for the nation of Israel, is that God will turn their sorrow and sadness to joy. He will give them a heritage. He will give them reasons to smile, laugh, and rejoice.

Now, I want you to think for a second about how important this is.

Perhaps you’ve found yourself in a season where you just couldn’t see above the clouds… you know- when everything seems to lose meaning. We’ve all been there. When you have nothing to look forward to and nothing to live for, life itself is pretty miserable.

Just as the proverb states Proverbs 17:22 “22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

You know, it’s ironic that we live in a time when we have more mental health options than ever in history, but the overall mental health in our nation is at an all time low. Perhaps that is because we look for fulfillment and gladness in the wrong places?

So, let me show you how Jesus delivered on this promise. First, the message of the angels in Luke 2:10

Luke 2:10 NASB95

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

That good news is that Jesus was born in Bethlehem! And look here back to John 15:11, the words of Jesus

John 15:11 NASB95

11 “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

What things, you ask, well Jesus was just telling the disciples to abide in Him… In Christ is great joy and gladness. Friends, are you weary today? When the circumstances of life weigh heavy, Christmas reminds us of the promise of gladness delivered in Jesus! “He has made me glad!”

We have to keep moving. Next is:

The Promise of Freedom (4)

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Israel was conquered and thus no longer their own. We probably struggle to relate to their physical oppression. But folks, the bondage of sin still smothers people all around us. Even as we know the passages of Scripture like John 8:36

John 8:36 NASB95

36 “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

We still may wrestle with our sin and long to be set free from sin’s very presence. Paul speaks of this in Romans 7:24 “24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?”

Paul’s question is rhetorical. You see, the promise of freedom is the promise of a new King! And that is exactly who Jesus is- the King of all creation! He came preaching, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” and when we become part of His kingdom, we are set free from the oppression of this world. We have been purchased by Christ through His blood- He has paid the ransom and redeemed us.

We are like the Gomer in the book of Hosea- we were in chains in our sin. We were on the auction block and Jesus showed up to pay a price that is way too high and He has set us free from that life! Listen, if you feel like you are in bondage in your sins today, God is extending a promise of freedom to you through Christ.

I love the way God explained it to Peter in Acts 10:15 - “What God has cleansed, let no man consider unholy.”

Christmas reminds us that Jesus has set us free from our sins! As we look to v. 5., we see:

The Promise of Peace (5)

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The picture here is that all the war-related items would one day simply be fuel to heat and cook with. One day, the battle would end. And there were times when Israel saw this peace- even under the rule of other nations. But I want us to look at this beyond a physical war.

The peace that Jesus offers will one day be one without any bloodshed. But as Matthew Henry once asked,

What peace can they have who are not at peace with God?

Matthew Henry (Nonconformist Biblical Exegete)

And this peace far exceeds the appearance of peace with mankind. I agree with JC Ryle who said that there will be no universal peace until the Prince of Peace returns!

That Prince of Peace is Jesus- the same Jesus who told His disciples “Peace I give to you...” You see, even though they would face conflict with men, they were at peace with the sovereign God of creation!

How many of you are dealing with anxiety or conflict today? Jesus offered this encouragement in John 16:33

John 16:33 NASB95

33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Folks, Christmas is a reminder that Jesus is the Prince of Peace; the overcomer of the world. Next is:

The Promise of Presence (6)

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This promise is almost understated. It’s not the only promise of God’s presence. In fact, we see the picture develop even in the time of Moses with the Ark and the manifestation of God’s presence in the pillar of smoke and light. As in the days of Moses, what greater hope can a nation have except the most high God would be present with them… in battle, in worship, in all things? Still, here we see a promise that the divine God of creation would come in flesh to His creation.

The emphatic description of a child and son point us back to Genesis 3:15 in which God promised a son that would undo the curse brought upon men through Adam. Paul explained that though the sin of Adam was imputed upon humanity, Jesus- being God, came so that He could impute His righteousness upon those who repent and believe in Him.

In Matthew 1:22–23, “22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”” (Is. 7:14)

Isaiah says that the government shall be upon his shoulders- that literally means he will have ultimate authority. Matthew 28:18–20 “18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

And His name will be called… (6c)

Because God delivered on His promise of presence, we can be confident in our mission. We do not have to fear, for we are not alone. He is our help, our hope, and our comfort. Christmas reminds us that God keeps his promises. Lastly, Isaiah points us to:

The Promise of An Everlasting Kingdom (7)

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Remember, Israel was facing a difficult time. Through Isaiah, God promised them that there was coming a ruler whose kingdom would not only stand and never be destroyed, but it would increase, which signifies strength and victory.

This promise is currently in process. As the Kingdom of God increases, we see the goodness and righteousness of Christ on display. We can read the first part literally as: “There will be no end to His authority nor His peaceful reign.”

IOW, Who can stand against this God? NONE!!

I am reminded of Jesus’ parable about the mustard seed… it begins small, but grows large. Jesus began with just a few followers… 12 disciples and that has multiplied over the past 2000 years.

And it is God who accomplishes this.

Just as His followers have increased, so one day every tongue will confess His majesty. Philippians 2:10–11 “10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

But this promise is not just about a number, it’s about a vision. Christ has delivered the hope of His Kingdom- a kingdom that will never end. And until Christ returns, His Kingdom will expand- more people called into His glorious hope. What’s even better is that He has invited us to be a part of that mission- He has called us to be ambassadors and reconcilers. He is our king, seated securely and eternally on His throne.

Compare to a Christless Christmas..?

If you have walked in darkness, that Light is for you. If you are weary, that joy is for you. If you feel trapped, that freedom is for you. If your heart is troubled, His peace is for you. If you feel alone, His presence is for you. If you feel like your story is going nowhere, His Kingdom is for you.

Call upon Him. Trust Him. The God who promised has delivered… and will deliver still.

[PRAY]

Discuss: How does the truth that Jesus fulfills God’s promises (Isaiah 9) help you trust God in the present?

Discuss: What practical steps can you take to point others toward the promises of God this Advent?

Discuss: Take a moment to reflect: Which aspect of God’s promises do you most need to cling to right now?