Christmas At Home
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”
Hope
The hebrew people were hoping and waiting for the coming of the Messiah. They were hoping for this chosen one of God who would come to free them from their oppression, to right the wrongs, to establish a righteous kingdom. This hope remained even in their darkest times as a people.
Human beings NEED hope. We need something to look forward to. Our hope is based on a PERSON not circumstance.
“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)
Peace
The Hebrew people were hoping and waiting for the coming of the Messiah. They were hoping for this chosen one of God who would come to free them from their oppression, to right the wrongs, to establish a righteous kingdom. This hope remained even in their darkest times as a people.
Human beings NEED hope. We need something to look forward to. Shalom is not only the absence of conflict. Shalom is wholeness, soundness, completeness, welfare
“The Hebrew word shalom (peace) can be defined as a life put together, a life characterized by a sense of wholeness and well-being. “ - Tony Evans
“Shalom” is taken from the root word shalam, which means, “to be safe in mind, body, or estate.” It speaks of completeness, fullness, or a type of wholeness that encourages you to give back — to generously re-pay something in some way.
True biblical shalom refers to an inward sense of completeness or wholeness.
Although it can describe the absence of war, a majority of biblical references refer to an inner completeness and tranquility. He is the prince of peace - that means when God is our source, our God - the one we trust in and follow, obey, and look to our lives will be characterized by Shalom. When He governs our lives the result is shalom (peace, wholeness, completeness, well being) in us and through us.
Joy
Jesus’s birth was announced as “good news” that will bring “great joy”. Why does the coming of Christ produce great joy? God has come to REDEEM humankind. To buy us back and bring us into His kingdom. Early christian communities were known for being full of joy even though they faced many hardships.
Joy is not determined by struggles but by future destiny.
Love
John 3:16 - For God so LOVED the world
God’s motivation for coming was LOVE. He didn’t just talk about love, He also DEMONSTRATED agape love.
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)
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