Scripture References: Isaiah 9:1-7; Matthew 2:1-12; John 1:12; Romans 4:5
Intro: Good morning. The Christmas season often brings enthusiasm, but sometimes the reason gets lost amidst cultural traditions (trees, gifts, Santa). While enjoyable, these aren't the core. Today, drawing from Isaiah 9, let's revisit the profound, biblical reason for genuine enthusiasm: God saw our darkness and entered it, coming humbly as a child.
Key Points:
- The Context: Real Darkness (Isa 9:1-2a): Isaiah spoke to people facing deep distress, fear, and judgment ("walking in darkness," "shadow of death"). God acknowledges the painful reality of our broken world (then and now) – He doesn't pretend it isn't dark.
- God Enters the Darkness (Isa 9:2b): Instead of recoiling, God moves toward the darkness: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light." He proactively brings hope into despair, demonstrating scandalous grace even towards undeserving, sinful people (like wicked Judah then, and us now - cf. Rom 4:5).
- God Comes as a Child (Isa 9:6a): "For to us a child is born..." God's powerful intervention begins with vulnerability, gentleness, and obscurity. This highlights His often quiet, easily overlooked ways and invites intimacy, contrasting with worldly power.
- The Goal: Adoption as Children (John 1:12): God becoming a child enables us to become children of God by faith. This shifts our identity from striving orphans to beloved sons and daughters who rest in the Father's love and provision.
- Responses to the Child King (Matt 2):
- Hostility (Herod): Threatened by Jesus' rightful kingship, Herod seeks to eliminate Him. This reflects our own sinful nature's resistance to God's authority when it clashes with our self-rule or definition of happiness.
- Apathy (Priests/Scribes): They knew the Scriptures about the Messiah's birth but were unmoved. Religion without relationship leads to indifference, missing the wonder of God's presence.
- Worship (Magi): Outsiders who sought the King and offered worship. This is the right response.
- The Child's Identity (Isa 9:6b-7): This child is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, whose government of justice and righteousness will last forever.
Conclusion: The true wonder fueling Christian enthusiasm is God's proactive grace: entering our darkness with His light, coming humbly as a child, and making a way for us to become His beloved children, ruled by the Prince of Peace. This reality counters both worldly hostility and religious apathy.
Call to Action: Look past the cultural trappings. Meditate on the wonder: God entered your darkness. Receive His gentle approach. Reject apathy; ask God to restore awe. Embrace your identity as His child (John 1:12). Respond like the Magi – seek Jesus and worship Him this season.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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