READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The word joy captures the spirit of Christmas. Yet perhaps, for those of us in pain and living gloomy lives, the symbolism of advent has the most to say. The birth of Christ provides the joy of abundant living and a freedom from a mundane way of life.
Isaiah 12 was a joyful song of praise and thanksgiving about the coming Messiah. A joyful encouragement to all who would respond to Christ, calling them to find comfort, strength and joy. It also speaks to those who feel alienated from God, beckoning them to experience the joy of His salvation.
Jesus authenticated Himself as the Christ in the Gospel of John. Isaiah prophesized that the people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Christ will enlarge the nation of Israel and its people will rejoice; and that His government and its peace will never end. (Isa 9:2-3, 7). Jesus mirrored this by saying; I am the light of the world. Follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life. Jesus said, I have told you these things so that you will be filled with joy, and that His kingdom is not an earthly kingdom, not of this world. (Jn 8:12, 15:11, 18:36)
Christ’s coming accomplished two things:
First, through the finished work of Christ, God turned his anger so that He might comfort us. (Isa12:1) Despite our sin, God extends grace upon grace on us. Even today, we can be comforted by opening our hearts to Jesus. (Eph 2:4-5)
Second, God came to save us so that He might be our strength and joy. (Isa 12:2-3) Our salvation comes from Christ by grace through faith. In a crisis, our instinct is to find a solution in our own strength. But apart from Jesus, our human efforts to save ourselves will be in vain.
When we trust Jesus, he will be with us in the crisis. We can give thanks and rejoice even in trials and tribulations. The word is not the Lord gives me strength, but the Lord God is my strength and my song. (Charles Spurgeon). We are as strong as the Lord, for the Lord is my strength. When the Lord is our strength and song, He is our refuge and we are satisfied. He is our joy and happiness.
The Lord has given me victory. He is a triumphant warrior at heart. (Isa 12:2, Ex15:1-3) Jesus fought for His people to the point of dying on the cross. When in trouble, we can count on Jesus to fight for and rescue us. We need not be afraid, but can rest on God’s promise of salvation. (Ex14:13-14)
We are to tell the nations about the wonderful deeds of our Lord. (Isa 12:4-5) In proclaiming the good news, we can emulate Jesus’ ministry. In His first sermon at Nazareth, Jesus read from Isaiah. “The Lord has put His spirit in me because He appointed me to tell the good news to the poor. He has sent me to tell the captives they are free, and to tell the blind that they can see again. God sent me to free those who have been treated unfairly and to announce the time when the Lord will show his kindness. (Lk4:18-19)
Jesus spoke of Himself fulfilling the prophesy in Isaiah. The passage emphasizes meeting the needs and healing the hurts of others. Christ spoke straight into the hearts of the people. His truth would set them free. Jesus is also a good listener who listens intently before speaking.
Jesus’ approach, begins with a genuine interest in others. We listen carefully to their needs, hurts or issues. Instead of giving advice and telling people what to do, we ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom before responding. We will extend love and kindness to others. Jesus maintained a constant dialogue with His heavenly father through prayer. Likewise, our prayer life is crucial for sharing the gospel with others. They would definitely feel the power of this heavenly connection.
The Holy Spirit is sent by God to be our friend. The Spirit is in us and works through us. We can rely on the Spirit’s prompting and timing as it is always spot on. This advent and Christmas, let us pray for and share the gospel with others, asking the Holy Spirit to open their hearts with love, joy, hope and peace.
(Sermon notes by Denis Koh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Ponder Jn. 8:12; 15:11; 18:36. What is God saying about Jesus and your relationship with him?
- Ponder Isa. 12:1. ‘God turned his anger so that he might comfort us.’ How does this truth make you feel about Jesus and your sin?
- Ponder Isa. 12:2-3. ‘God came to save us.’ How does this truth help you face your daily challenges?
- ‘The LORD is my strength and my song.” What does this truth mean to you?
- Ponder Isa. 12:4-5. How would you be more intentional in sharing the Gospel?
