Messengers

Anticipation. We usually appreciate it when we know what's coming, and the anticipation of what we look forward to can be an amazing experience all its own. For centuries, God's people lived in anticipation of the event that we celebrate this month - the coming of the Messiah.

The passage to the right is just one of those many expressions of anticipation that we find in the Old Testament as God's people looked forward in anticipation to the coming of Jesus. There were many things they did not understand, and much that they could not until the event took place, and yet you cannot help but sense the anticipation in their words and sentiments. They knew God was on the move, and was preparing something for them that was far beyond what they could have anticipated or imagined. But anticipate they did.

In the sermon this week, Pastor Jon explores with us those moments and messages of anticipation and hope, by looking at the various messengers God sent to prepare the way. God is with us in the anticipation, and in the realization. Amazing stuff to reflect on and celebrate this season!

If you would like to listen to the sermon once again, or perhaps for the first time, you can access our sermon library here. If you would prefer to watch the entire service, you can access the livestream version here.

Isaiah 9:1-6

(NIV)

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation

and increased their joy;

they rejoice before you

as people rejoice at the harvest,

as warriors rejoice

when dividing the plunder.

For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,

you have shattered

the yoke that burdens them,

the bar across their shoulders,

the rod of their oppressor.

Every warrior’s boot used in battle

and every garment rolled in blood

will be destined for burning,

will be fuel for the fire.

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.