Difference between revisions of "Sermon for December 23rd, 2018"
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==Messiah: The Reign of the Righteous King== | ==Messiah: The Reign of the Righteous King== | ||
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| + | Joke about darkness? | ||
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| + | “Light” is a metaphor suggestive of the presence of God, the approach of God’s grace, mercy, and peace. Isaiah refers to “a great light” (v. 2). The preacher may want to suggest that the light of Christ, while “great” indeed for those who have seen and welcomed it, was not “great” at its coming, in the sense of being a blazing or blinding light, and is not “great” in that sense now. It was and is now a gentle, modest light that Christ brings, so as not to overwhelm or coerce. Neither Isaiah nor the NT suggests that the light does away with the darkness. (See John 1:5.) Yet the light of Christ has proved to be tough and tenacious. So, however great the darkness—and sometimes it is very great indeed—the Christmas Eve congregation can be encouraged to trust that the light of God’s goodness and grace continues to shine, as well as to approach Christ with whatever darkness is within themselves. | ||
Revision as of 14:24, 22 December 2018
Isaiah 9:1-7
9 But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Messiah: The Reign of the Righteous King
Joke about darkness?
“Light” is a metaphor suggestive of the presence of God, the approach of God’s grace, mercy, and peace. Isaiah refers to “a great light” (v. 2). The preacher may want to suggest that the light of Christ, while “great” indeed for those who have seen and welcomed it, was not “great” at its coming, in the sense of being a blazing or blinding light, and is not “great” in that sense now. It was and is now a gentle, modest light that Christ brings, so as not to overwhelm or coerce. Neither Isaiah nor the NT suggests that the light does away with the darkness. (See John 1:5.) Yet the light of Christ has proved to be tough and tenacious. So, however great the darkness—and sometimes it is very great indeed—the Christmas Eve congregation can be encouraged to trust that the light of God’s goodness and grace continues to shine, as well as to approach Christ with whatever darkness is within themselves.
