The Coming Wonder Part 1. Series

Isaiah 9:1-9.THE WONDER OF HIS COMING.

Are you filled with wonder at Christmas? I wonder have we as a nation lost the wonder of Christmas? With all the tinsel and trappings, has it finally become a Frankenstein of our own making. A monster completely out of control?

Let’s face it if you were to ask the average person in the street today, what is the wonder of Christmas. What would they say? Santa, presents, children, family time, T V programming, shopping, overindulgence of food, children’ faces, parties, they might even say there is no wonder for me Christmas is simply a time when I’m all alone, I have an increasing credit card debt which is driving me to despair Christmas is utterly depressing.

Even the politicallly correct lobby are slowly changing the face of Christmas and Christianity in this country if they continue to have their way will become a winter wonderland with Santa completly replacing our Saviour.

Background: Isaiah had a 60 year ministry 740 BC – 681 BC, he was a prophet to mainly Judah but also God’s word was spoken into the lives of those in the Northern Kingdom till 722BC. It was a turbulent time for the twin nations. Isaiah’s call wasn’t palatable, he called them to commit their lives first to God and then to King and turn away from sin. But the people had lost all wonder of who they belonged t, they had lost all wonder of their God.

Under the rule of King Ahaz 735 BC and Manasseh 697 BC , the nation of Judah had a form of godliness but in their hearts they were corrupt, they turned to idolatry , even to child sacrifice, they oppressed the poor, perverted justice, they made military alliances with other nations instead of trusting God.

So Isaiah brought a message of Judgement.In fact in 722BC Israel would be invaded and fall through the Assyrians , yet when it came to Judah God would miraculously intervene and hold off the Assyrian attack and give them victory all of which demonstrated Gods unfolding plan and promises for the nation at this time. Which was meant to bring a purifying process for the people, for them to turn and stand in wonder of God once again but they failed to listen.

Isaiah speaks of a coming wonder, to the people, the wonder of the Messiah, foretold 700 years earlier. In fact Isaiah speaks more on the coming Messiah than any other OT prophet, I am sure we are familiar with many texts Isaiah 7:14 The Lord Himself will give you a sign. 9:6- 9 Unto us a child is born. 11:1- 19 The branch of Jesse. Isaiah 42:1 – 4. The servant of the Lord Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12. The suffering servant. Isaiah 61: 1- 2 The year of the Lords favour.

The Messiah is the coming wonder: I believe as a nation we have lost Christ in the centre of Christmas: The political correct lobby would sooner call Christmas a winter wonderland We recently had a Private members debate Westminster hall on the erosion on our Christian heritage as a nation in the united Kingdom

Most people over 50 think too many Christian practices are being ‘downgraded’ in public life out of sensitivity to multi-culturalism.

A recent survey in the Times reports. The Saga Populus survey of 10,000 over 50s found widespread concerns about the celebration of Christmas. Some 85 per cent objected to councils replacing ‘Christmas’ lights with ‘winter’ lights and 84 per cent were dismayed by the replacement of nativity plays with non-religious productions in schools. The poll release came on the same day that MPs held a special debate at Westminster Hall. Conservative backbencher Mark Pritchard urged the government to protect public expressions of the UK’s Christian heritage.

Thee is a story of two women sat down in a wine bar celebrating when a neighbour noticed one of them and so she went over and asked “What’s the celebration all about?” Her friend replied, “Were celebrating my sons 2nd birthday!” “But where is your so?” said the neighbour. You don’t think I would bring him do you? He’s at my mother’s”.

Are you celebrating Christmas with or without real wonder of Jesus? Well I want us to focus our hearts and minds upon Him today. There is no better medicine for Christians to focus upon the wonder of Jesus.

If you have lost it, then today’s sermon should be a good tonic for you, because the real wonder of Christmas is that God was contracted to a span, God grew inside a woman’s womb was born and entered into this world.

How could we ever forget Him 9:6 for to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called the wonderful counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.