Great Light
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Advent
Isaiah 9:1-7 (ESV)
1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Sermon Outline
Jesus’ entry into the world radically alters how we experience life in this troubled world.
1. Walking in Darkness
v2 “people who walked… dwelt in a land of deep darkness”
Isaiah 8:21-22 “they will be enraged… against… God… will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness”
vv4-5 “rod of his oppressor… tramping warrior”
2. Seeing Great Light
v3 “you have increased its joy”, v7 “the Lord of Hosts will do this”
v6 “to us a son is given… his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”
v7 “to establish it and uphold it with justice and righteousness”
3. Increasing Peace
v7 “of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end”
Prayer of Confession
Mighty God, everlasting Father, we look to you for light, life, and all good things. We admit we have strayed from you. We have experienced the darkness, and we have blamed you and others for our misery. Our ambitions and actions have not been established or upheld with justice and righteousness, but have been tainted with corruption. We confess our folly, fear and confusion, and lament the harm we have caused. Forgive every sin. Shine your glorious light so that we experience grace, hope, sanctification and the joy of living honorably. Thank you for Jesus, our wonderful counselor and prince of peace. We are grateful for his reign and gladly follow his ways. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What is your attitude towards the dark? Are you afraid of it? How do you experience being in a dark room, or walking outside when it is so dark you can’t see much around you?
Why does the Bible describe walking away from God with images of turning from light and going into darkness?
When we are experiencing life as being in a dark place, what kinds of thoughts about God are likely? Why is it typical that when we are in that place we will look around the world for some solution rather than looking to God? How does one look to God when in need of help?
How does God’s grace (a freely given gift to those who don’t deserve it) change how we go through difficult periods? What does it make possible?
What comfort and help can we receive from understanding and believing God’s self-giving love? Is the gift of Jesus, who entered darkness to bring us light, something that affects you?
How does Jesus establish his kingdom with justice and righteousness? What does Jesus say, do, and reveal about himself that gives us confidence that he alone is worthy to be the king of kings, the best ruler over the earth (and our lives)?
How can you increase peace as you go into the world? Who do you have to be and what kinds of things can you do to bring the peace of Christ with you so that it has an impact?
If you imagine having the cross of Christ over your head (like the way a cross is on top of many royal crowns), what impact would that have on how you live life? If people could see it, would it change anything in your attitude or habits?