Best Christmas Ever
Week 1: Hope - Isaiah 9:2
Sermon Theme: We have eternal hope in Jesus, the light of God to all nations, and we can share hope - shine the light - so that others may have it too.
I. Christ is our Hope
Isaiah 9:2 NLT
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”
Our shared hope is in Christ alone
Romans 5:2 NLT
2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
II. Christ is the light in the darkness
Romans 15:12-13 NLT
12 And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him. 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
III. Christ shines in You and through You
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Galatians 2:20 NLT
20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
IV. Christ followers will be the light
1 Peter 3:15 NLT
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
“14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Psalm 119:105 NLT
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
The Best Christmas Ever Will Be Rooted in Hope
Choose hope. And share it with others. This coming week, think about the people in your life who you spend the most time with; Family - friends - coworkers - your local barista… And consider ways you can share the hope you have with them. And if you’re running low on hope, if you’re feeling like your light isn’t shining as bright as it used to… we’re going to pray for you this morning.
Week 1: Hope - Isaiah 9:2
Sermon Theme: We have eternal hope in Jesus, the light of God to all nations, and we can share hope - shine the light - so that others may have it too.
I. Christ is our Hope
Isaiah 9:2 NLT
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”
Our shared hope is in Christ alone
Romans 5:2 NLT
2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
II. Christ is the light in the darkness
Romans 15:12-13 NLT
12 And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him. 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
III. Christ shines in You and through You
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Galatians 2:20 NLT
20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
IV. Christ followers will be the light
1 Peter 3:15 NLT
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
“14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Psalm 119:105 NLT
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
The Best Christmas Ever Will Be Rooted in Hope
Choose hope. And share it with others. This coming week, think about the people in your life who you spend the most time with; Family - friends - coworkers - your local barista… And consider ways you can share the hope you have with them. And if you’re running low on hope, if you’re feeling like your light isn’t shining as bright as it used to… we’re going to pray for you this morning.