Series Theme:
The time of the preaching of this series was the end of 2020 towards the end of a challenging COVID-19 year.
Millions of families throughout the world would be missing loved ones at Christmas and new Year celebrations as they and the whole world remained uncertain as to what lay ahead in the new year as infections and deaths were spiraling out of control in the United States and the United Kingdom.
This Advent sermon series takes us back to the truth that God is sovereign and rules over all things through Christ. In the world’s darkness a great Light is shining, a light that brings great joy and hope. This Light is He who was promised from long ago and whose arrival that first Christmas Day was in accord with God’s set purpose, plan and timing. Today, Christ remains this Light of the world who alone brings joy into the midst of darkness and hope as our eyes are turned heavenward toward God to see that He works all things for good for those who love Him.
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
RECORDINGS FOR THIS SERMON NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO A TECHNICAL FAILURE DURING RECORDING
Readings
Isaiah 9:1–7 (NIV84)
1Nevertheless, 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 Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan—
2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
3You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.
4For 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.
5Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
6For 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.
7Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
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Text
Luke 2:8–14 (NIV84)
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
