The Big Idea

Even though we typically think of the holidays as a happy time, December can be a time of pain, sorrow, frustration, and loneliness. But what if that all changed? What if Christ-mas brought you a sense of joy, hope, and acceptance? What if there was more to Christmas than the hustle and bustle we find ourselves immersed in every year?

The good news is that there is more to Christmas. Christmas is the celebration of Emmanuel: God with Us. It’s about Jesus’ birth in a stable, coming to earth to save the world. Christmas means that we can be free from sin, because God takes our sin away through the gift of His Son, Jesus.

Throughout this series, we’ll examine the prophesies of Isaiah, which foretold the birth of Jesus. We’ll understand how Jesus’ conception and birth fulfilled these prophesies. Most importantly, we’ll find joy, hope, and acceptance in God’s promises. Because God’s selfless gift to us, Jesus, means that we have victory over sin.

Overview of the Series

December 9, 2018: There was JOY

What if God removed despair, mourning, and sadness from us? What if, in its place, we had never-ending joy? Isaiah explains that God sent Jesus to earth to do just this. We can find joy, even in times of sadness, because of the promise of eternity we have through Jesus’ defeat of sin.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 61:1-3

December 16, 2018: There was HOPE

Sometimes, when you watch the news, you probably think that the world is a pretty dark place. What if there was a light in the darkness? Jesus is that light. Isaiah explains that Jesus brings comfort to the world, paying for all sins and bringing the good news of salvation to all people.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 40:1-11

December 23: There was More

It’s easy to lose the meaning of Christmas amidst the holiday images that permeate our culture. What if there was more to Christmas than this? What if the true meaning of Christmas could leave you in awe of your Savior… the one whose mother was a virgin, who was born in a stable, and who is fully God yet fully man? Isaiah foretold His coming, and you can rest assured that Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection means that your victory starts now.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 42:1-8

December 24 (2 & 4pm): There was Acceptance (Christmas Eve)

In a room full of people at holiday gatherings, it’s possible to feel out-of-place. Even if all those people are family members, you may feel like you don’t belong. What if there was a place you could find acceptance, no matter who you are or what you’ve done? When describing Jesus, Isaiah explains that “a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” No matter how much you struggle, how left out you feel, Jesus will accept you for who you are and give you freedom from your sin.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 7:10-14

December 25 (9am): Christmas Day

Led by Mike Westendorf from The Bridge Muskego, this service is called “One Night in Bethlehem”. It’s a service of music, story, and Jesus.