The Presence of Hope

What’s the best news you’ve ever heard?

Last Sunday, we kickstarted our Christmas-themed Isaiah series and saw how in a time of darkness, King Ahaz had his hope completely misplaced. Likewise, we live in a dark world where people place their hopes in things that are not secure.

But Isaiah tells of a hope so sure and steadfast, one that we can all look forward to. He is Jesus, who is called Immanuel — meaning, God with us. Isaiah calls on Israel in the Old Testament to prepare their hearts for the coming of this ultimate hope. This Advent, we look forward in hope to the second coming of Immanuel — Jesus Christ — who is the light of this dark world.

As we sang during worship last Sunday:

O come, all you unfaithful
Come, weak and unstable
Come, know you are not alone
O come, barren and waiting ones
Weary of praying, come
See what your God has done

Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you

O come, bitter and broken
Come with fears unspoken
Come, taste of His perfect love
O come, guilty and hiding ones
There is no need to run
See what your God has done

Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you

And that, my friends, is the greatest news of all.