Fourth Sunday in Advent
December 23, 2018
DARKNESS -TO- THE LIGHT OF HOPE
Written by Jonathan Sturgis
Have you ever heard the phrase, “the devil made me do it?” Although it doesn’t sound scriptural, it is exactly what Eve said to God when he confronted her with her disobedience. Satan, disguised as a serpent had seduced, tricked and lied to Eve in his efforts to destroy what he abhorred so much . . . humans made in the image of God. But God, rather than expressing disappointment, gave mankind the LIGHT of Hope. He turned to the Serpent and pronounced, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
God had already made a plan for man’s rebellion and sin. It may seem a little vague and even backwards (although Hebrew IS written right to left), but God had just proclaimed prophesy about our Savior, the Messiah! He would be a human, male and born of a woman. And Satan would strike his heel, but He, the Savior, WILL crush Satan’s head. Hallelujah to the one who sets us free!
“For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” I Peter 1:20-21
And in his introduction in the letter to Titus, Paul writes . . .
“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.”
In this fourth week of Advent, we remember that Jesus, our Messiah, Is the LIGHT of HOPE. God sent His “anointed one” to be our Savior, Redeemer and Deliverer.
“O Israel, hope in the LORD ; For with the LORD there is loving kindness, And with Him is abundant redemption.” Psalm 130:7
Jesus brought hope to the poor and oppressed.
“Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24
In his power, he defends the weak and persecuted.
“My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.” Psalm 62:5
By His death, Jesus saves us from our sins and gives us hope in this life.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Jesus’ resurrection from the dead gives us the promise and hope for eternal life in heaven.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3
And Jesus gives us the power of His Holy Spirit to help us in this life!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
You see my friends, God, through His only begotten Son, Jesus the Messiah, has crushed Satan and the power he can have over your life. And Jesus has provided not only the hope of eternal life in heaven, but hope in this life as well. I assure you this Christmas, for those who believe & trust in the name of Jesus . . .
If you yearn for a spiritual revival and thirst for God’s righteousness;
THERE’S HOPE IN THE MESSIAH.
If you’re experiencing loneliness or longing for a true friend;
THERE’S HOPE IN THE MESSIAH.
If you are tired and weary from the heavy burdens of this world;
THERE’S HOPE IN THE MESSIAH.
Those of you who need God’s forgiveness;
THERE’S HOPE IN THE MESSIAH.
If there is anyone who is suffering due to physical infirmities that seem like they will never end;
THERE’S HOPE IN THE MESSIAH.
You, who feel like your life is meaningless;
THERE’S HOPE IN THE MESSIAH.
If you are sinking in the mire of depression or dreadful thoughts that this life isn’t worth living;
THERE IS HOPE IN THE MESSIAH.
My prayer for you this Christmas season is that you desire MORE of Christ. God’s invitation to you is to experience the abundant fullness of the LIGHT of Life, Peace, Love and the Hope of Christ Jesus, our Messiah. Hallelujah!
This non-denominational bible study brings together women from across our valley and churches. Join us this fall as we participate together in the study of “Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story” by Angie Smith.
Please join us at Quaker Ridge Camp on September 14-16 for the annual Rocky Mountain Yearly Meeting Women’s Retreat. The theme this year is “Celebrate Life” with guest speaker Lori Wolfe.
The focal point of the Protestant Reformation was the Bible being translated and made available in the common languages of the people. People began to read the Bible, and when they did these things happened: 1) Individuals were transformed; 2) The Church began to be changed, putting off corruption; 3) The state was gradually reformed. The fruit of the Reformation was revival of individuals, restoration of the church, and reformation of all society.
Many things affected Luther’s development. He committed to become a monk after a narrow escape from lightning – he prayed, “If I survive this storm, I will become a monk!”