Southside Baptist Church JC
2025_11_30
  • O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

      • Isaiah 12:2ESV

  • Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

  • The Arrival of Hope

    Main idea:
    Advent is a joyous season of expectant hope and anticipation as we look to Christmas morning and the birth of our blessed savior, Jesus. During this annual celebration of Jesus’ arrival on earth, we’re reminded of the HOPE we have in Him and because of Him. The birth of Jesus, among many other things, was prophesied about long before his eventual arrival. For many, these prophesied events gave them great hope in the midst of their suffering and pain.
    Prayer: “Lord, your arrival changed everything. Thank you for coming to restore, renew, and set all things right again. Fill us with hope…your hope, this holiday season… And give us the courage to share your hope with others.”
    Scripture: Isaiah 9:6
    Isaiah 9:6 ESV
    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.
    Introduction Welcome Church! Today we begin our annual journey back to Bethlehem. Back to where the miraculous birth of Jesus changed the world forever. It’s a journey worth celebrating, and for centuries the church has done just that through the season of Advent.
    And for those of you who need a refresher on the season; Advent is a significant religious season observed in various Christian denominations, particularly in the Western Christian tradition. It encompasses the four weeks leading up to Christmas, starting on Sunday closest to November 30 (St. Andrew's Day) and concluding on December 24 (Christmas Eve). Advent serves as a time of preparation, reflection, and anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolized by Christmas.
    The word "Advent" is derived from the Latin word "adventus," which means "coming" or "arrival." During this season, Christians focus on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, often represented by four candles on an Advent wreath, with one candle being lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas.
    Arrival…that’s the name of our series, and that’s the event we celebrate during Advent. The arrival of King Jesus, and with Him, the hope of a weary world in waiting.
    As we look to Christmas, and the annual celebration of Jesus’ arrival on earth, we’re reminded of the HOPE we have in Him and because of Him. The birth of Jesus, among other things, was prophesied about long before his eventual arrival. For many, these prophesied events gave them great hope in the midst of their suffering and pain. Today, as we begin our Advent journey together, we too remember that we have all the reason in the world to be filled with hope because of Christ.
    To help frame our time together we’re going to look at Isaiah 9:6, a key scripture that prophesied the birth of Jesus and presents him as a source of future hope for humanity.
    Isaiah 9:6 ESV
    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.
    The Promised Child and the Anticipation of Hope
    This verse heralds the promise of the coming king. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” We now know that this “child” was none other than Jesus, the Messiah and savior of the world… But what did it feel like to hear this promise and how did the promise age over the centuries as the Jewish people faced increasing oppression and destruction from various rulers and people groups. To further understand, we’ve got to dive into Jewish history.
    The anticipation and excitement of the Jewish people regarding the coming of the Messiah is deeply rooted in their religious and historical beliefs, particularly in the context of Judaism. It's important to understand that the concept of the Messiah and the associated hopes varied across different periods in Jewish history and among different Jewish communities. Historically speaking, the Jewish people have faced various forms of oppression, persecution, and frustration.
    Here's a brief overview of some key events that contributed to their longing for a Messiah:
    *****Biblical and Exilic Periods*****
    The Babylonian exile (586-538 BCE) marked a significant period of suffering and displacement for the Jewish people. They were forcibly removed from their homeland and experienced oppression and loss of cultural and religious freedom.
    Other historical events, such as the Assyrian conquests and subsequent exiles, also caused immense suffering and a desire for liberation.
    Roman Occupation:
    During the time of Jesus and the early Christian era, the Jewish people were under Roman rule. The Romans imposed heavy taxes, restrictions on religious practices, and often subjected them to brutal punishment for dissent.
    It’s these 2 periods, specifically, that frame the Jewish hopes for a Redeemer…
    The Jewish faith, as documented in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), contains prophecies and promises regarding a future Messiah, like Isaiah 9:6. This Messiah was expected to be a divine figure who would deliver the Jewish people from their suffering, reestablish their nation, and bring about a period of peace and prosperity. Because of this belief, or HOPE, there were heavy expectations placed on the coming Messiah.
    Different interpretations and expectations of the Messiah evolved over time, influenced by prophetic writings, religious teachings, and oral traditions. Some anticipated a military leader who would overthrow oppressors, while others expected a spiritual leader focused on religious and moral transformation. The religious and spiritual significance of the Messiah, as a central figure in Jewish end times thinking, also fueled excitement. The Messiah was seen as a fulfillment of divine promises and a manifestation of God's intervention in human history.
    Messiah represented the hope for a future where the Jewish people would be redeemed, restored to their homeland, and returned to a time of peace and prosperity. This Messianic belief provided hope and solace during difficult times, fostering images of a better future and a deep desire for liberation from oppression and suffering. Different interpretations of the Messiah's role and timing varied among Jewish communities, but the common theme was the anticipation of a figure who would bring about a significant transformation in their lives and society.
    It’s against this historical backdrop that we begin to understand what a verse like Isaiah 9:6 may mean to the Jewish people and how we can continue to find hope in the promises of God as we read the same verse today.
    Naming our Hope
    Isaiah 9:6 bestows several titles onto the future Messiah. These are titles we still ascribe to Jesus today, and ways in which we understand His role in both the world and our individual lives. Let’s take a look at each of these titles now;
    Wonderful Counselor:
    Context: In the original Hebrew, "Wonderful Counselor" can be understood as a "miraculous advisor" or "extraordinary strategist." It speaks of Jesus' wisdom and guidance, bringing supernatural insight and counsel to those who follow him.
    Meaning: Jesus is seen as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance, providing unparalleled advice and direction to those who seek him.
    Mighty God:
    Context: "Mighty God" implies strength, power, and sovereignty. It acknowledges Jesus as divine, possessing the power and authority that belong to God.
    Meaning: Jesus is recognized as not just a man or a prophet but as God incarnate, displaying divine strength and might.
    Everlasting Father:
    Context: This title emphasizes Jesus' eternal and paternal care for his followers. It does not imply that Jesus is God the Father, but rather that he possesses qualities of a caring and nurturing father.
    Meaning: Jesus is portrayed as having a timeless and enduring love for his people, providing protection, sustenance, and love that will last forever.
    Prince of Peace:
    Context: "Prince of Peace" signifies Jesus as the one who brings peace, harmony, and reconciliation between God and humanity, as well as among people.
    Meaning: Jesus is heralded as the source of true peace, both within individuals and in the world, offering peace with God through salvation and promoting peace and unity among people.
    It’s hard to imagine what these promised titles would’ve meant to the original recipients of Isaiah’s writings. As we look back, we can appreciate the HOPE that would’ve been instilled in reading these names. Hope and anticipation of a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace… Compared to the rulers of their day, these titles would be a welcome list of attributes for future leadership.
    And that brings us back to the most amazing truth of this prophetic hope… It all came to pass 2000 years ago in Bethlehem when Jesus was born and the Messiah “arrived”. He brought the Kingdom and the promise with Him.
    The Reign of the Messiah and the Realization of Hope
    In Isaiah 9:6, we read the phrase "the government will be on his shoulders", which is a metaphorical expression that emphasizes the authority, rule, and dominion that will rest upon the promised Messiah. The phrase uses the image of carrying a burden on one’s shoulders to convey the idea of bearing the weight of governance, authority, and responsibility. The Messiah will rule and govern as a righteous and just leader, in a manner that aligns with God’s will.
    Today, we trust that this prophetic description is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the Messiah who carries the burdens of the world, rules justly, has ultimate authority, and provides salvation, grace, and guidance to those who follow Him. He is the fulfillment of the promise we see in Isaiah 9:6… He is the reason a weary world rejoices. Conclusion It’s in Christ and Christ alone that we place our immediate and eternal hope. We live our lives accordingly, as we follow Him and share the good news of His arrival and reign with others.
    This is our call… To share the good news of Jesus and to spread the message of hope, peace, joy, love, and forgiveness… Especially this time of year… The holidays can be chaotic, stressful, and for some people downright painful as the memories of years past come flooding back again. Take some time this coming week to check in with your family, neighbors and friends. Pray for them and encourage them… Spur them on to love and good deeds.
    And If possible, remind them that our hope is not in the perfect gift, or the parties, or the Christmas bonus from work. Our hope is in the one who came to restore, renew, and set all things right again. He is the wonderful counselor, mighty king, and prince of peace.
    He is the reason for the season.
    Discussion Questions:
    What do you think the message of Isaiah meant to the original recipients?
    How did the history of Israel shape their idea of the coming Messiah?
    Which of the names given in Isaiah 9:6 resonates the most with you?
    Jesus brought Hope to a suffering people. In what way has He brought Hope to you this Advent season?
    Jesus began his reign as Messiah in the manger in Bethlehem, does he reign in your heart today?

      • Isaiah 9:6ESV

      • Isaiah 9:6ESV

      • Isaiah 9:6ESV

  • Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Southside Baptist Church JC
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