Sermon Tone Analysis

BEGINNING OF SERVICE

What is Advent?

For centuries, God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life.

At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made—that he would give a way to draw near to him.

Advent is what we call the season leading up to Christmas.

It begins four Sundays before December 25, sometimes in the last weekend of November, sometimes on the first Sunday in December.

This year it is today, December 1st 2019.

1 Peter 1:10-12 is a clear description of what we look back to during Advent.

For four weeks, it’s as if we’re re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God’s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God’s salvation, for Jesus.

That’s what advent means—coming.

Even God’s men who foretold the grace that was to come didn’t know “what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating."

They were waiting, but they didn’t know what God’s salvation would look like.

In fact, God revealed to them that they were not the ones who would see the sufferings and glory of God’s Christ:

They were serving us.

We Christians on this side of Jesus’ birth are a God-blessed, happy people because we know God’s plan.

The ancient waiting is over.

We have the greatest reason to celebrate.

Explaining Each Sunday Advent

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple (or violet) candle is lit.

This is called the "Prophecy Candle" and recalls the prophets, particularly Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Jesus Christ.

It represents hope or expectation of the coming Messiah.

Each Sunday following, an additional candle is lit.

On the second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle called the "Bethlehem Candle," is lit.

This candle represents love and symbolizes Christ's manger.

On the third Sunday of Advent, the pink (or rose) candle is lit.

This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday.

Gaudete is a Latin word meaning "rejoice."

The change from purple to pink signifies the transition in season from repentance to celebration.

The pink candle is called the "Shepherds Candle" and represents joy.

The last purple candle is called the "Angels Candle," It is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent and represents peace.

Traditionally, on Christmas Eve, the white center candle is lit.

This "Christ Candle" represents the life of Jesus Christ that has come to light the world.

It represents purity.

We will be having a Christmas Eve Candle lit service where we will be lighting the white center candle where all will come and light their candles from representing Christ as the source of the light we are to share with others.

SERMON NOTES

In one of the most studied and celebrated Bible passages at Christmas, Isaiah announces the arrival of a child:

The prophet Isaiah wasn’t trying to write a modern birth announcement.

But comparing his description of this baby boy to the birth announcements we send and receive illumines the distinctive splendor of this particular baby.

Four things set Isaiah’s announcement apart.

1.

This announcement is sent really early.

Every single birth announcement I’ve ever received was sent after the baby was born.

This one is different.

It’s sent before the birth — seven hundred years before.

The seven-hundred-year delay was not because God was unable to fulfill his promise sooner, but because he wanted to give his people the hope of a future King to sustain them through dark times.

The long period between promise and fulfillment was, in fact, a gift from God to his people.

2. Isaiah announces a royal birth.

Isaiah announces a royal birth: “the government shall be upon his shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6); “of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom” (Isaiah 9:7).

In Luke’s Gospel, we overhear another announcement of this same king: “the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32–33).

3. The baby has four different names, each telling us what he will do.

Isaiah announces the birth of a baby with four names: “his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

One name wasn’t sufficient to describe this special child.

Moreover, these names tell us what the baby will do.

Imagine reading on a birth announcement, “Excellent violin player, marathon runner, future CEO of major corporation.”

Birth announcements don’t list accomplishments.

That’s because there are none to list — apart from thumb-sucking, blinking, and drooling.

This baby is different.

“Wonderful Counselor” indicates that Jesus will be a supernatural source of extraordinary wisdom — amazing news for those who need guidance.

“Mighty God” indicates that Jesus will be divinely strong and powerful — amazing news for those who are weak.

“Everlasting Father” indicates that Jesus will care for his people forever, as a father cares for his children — amazing news for those who are alone and unappreciated.

“Prince of Peace” indicates that Jesus will bring deep well-being and right relationships — amazing news for all of us who lack peace with each other and with God.

4. These names belong only to God.

Did you know that this one Isaiah was giving a birth announcement for is Jesus Himself.

Jesus the Christ whom John begins his gospel account by saying

Isaiah was right.

God did deliver on this promise.

Jesus was born seven hundred years later and fulfilled every promise announced.

God came among us in the person of Jesus.

He took on flesh in order to give us wisdom, protection, fatherly care, and peace as we enter into relationship with him.

That is where our hope comes from.

It comes from God’s promises.

Through His only begotten Son.

SO THIS MORNING WE LIGHT THE FIRST CANDLE OF ADVENT WHICH REPRESENTS HOPE.

(Light Purple Candle)

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting.

Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection.

Priceless works by Picasso, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.

The widowed father looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector.

But the day came when war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country.

After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram that his beloved son had been killed while carrying a fellow soldier to a medic.

On Christmas morning a knock came at the door of the old man’s home, and as he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand.

He introduced himself to the man by saying, “I was a friend of your son.

I was the one he was rescuing when he died.

May I come in for a few moments?

I have something to show you.”

“I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.”

As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of his son.

Though the art critics would never consider the work a piece of genius, the painting did feature the young man’s face in striking detail, and seemed to capture his personality.

The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away.

The art world was in anticipation!

According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned.

The day soon arrived, and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings.

The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list.

It was the painting of the man’s son.

The auctioneer asked for an opening bid.

The room was silent.

“Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked.

Minutes passed with not a sound from those who came to buy.

From the back of the room someone callously called out, “Who cares about that painting?

It’s just a picture of his son.

Let’s forget it and go on to the important paintings.”