A Hope Fulfilled in Christ

Isaiah 9:1-7.

Out of the ashes, from a very dark place in the history of Israel (nearly 800BC, Assyrian captivity) came a word of hope. Usually, God would send His rescue government through a priest (Moses) or a judge (Deborah) or a king (David). But this time, He had a bigger, better plan - to send His Son Jesus for us (John 3:16) who fulfils these promises in us.

Promise: A hope, spiritual and physical (v2-5):

v2 Salvation (darkness to light)
v3 The Holy Spirit (increased joy)
v4 Freedom
v5 Justice

Promise: A relationship to demonstrate His sovereignty and love. Where He calls us in fellowship by His Spirit to experience His wonder and might (transcendence), but also His everlasting love and peace (immanence). (v6)

Promise: An everlasting government because His office is perfect - He is a Priest, who is a Judge, who is a King and who is God. Which means we have peace on earth but more so guaranteed peace - life in eternity. (v7)

Merry Christmas in advance, and have a blessed celebration.

Reflect & Pray

How does it encourage you to know that God loved you so much that He sent His Son as a baby to bring you hope? Who might you share God's love with this Christmas?

As Simeon did in Luke 2:30, Father may our eyes see your salvation, joy and glory, as we behold your Son Jesus this Christmas, in Jesus name, amen.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

In Christ is all we need

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Matthew 2:1-12. Once, I was with some friends, and we saw a famous person; they all got very excited, but I did not. When they began chatting about the celebrity, they realised why I missed the excitement. Matthew presents Jesus in a famous manner that demands a response that those who know Him can not miss out on. The gospel begins by showing that the nature of Jesus' birth proves He is the one all history and prophecies point to. He is The Promised King. He is of David's lineage (Matthew 1:17, 2 Samuel 7:13). The Promised Saviour. He is the seed of a woman, i.e. not of man but of God, like the first Adam (Matthew 1:18, Genesis 3:15). The Promised Lord. He is Immanuel - God with us - Israel's God is here (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14). So the news is out that Israel's God - The Messiah King, The Saviour, The Lord - whom all generations hoped for is now here.

Psalm 91: A Complete Refuge 4

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