We Will See A Great Light

Two shopping days before Christmas- are we ready?

More important perhaps, have we prepared ourselves for the true Christmas celebration?

Dec 17, 1903- Orville/Wilbur Wright- made first flight of an airplane at Kitty Hawk, NC. On their fifth attempt- the plane flew for 12 seconds. Wilbur- telegraphed his sister- WE HAVE FLOWN FOR 12 SECONDS - WE WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!

Their sister went to- newspaper office, told the editor about her brother’s flying machine, and informed him they would be home for Christmas- set up interview. He told her he would put something in the paper. On Dec 19th- paper placed this headline on the 6th page: Wright brothers home for Christmas. The most important story of the year- man’s first flight- the editor missed it! (Alan Tison)

Could the same be said about us and the way we prepare ourselves and our families for Christmas?

The tree is decorated, gifts have been purchased, but have we missed- most important part of the story?

The Son of God, Jesus Christ, has come to earth!

Isa 9:1-2

Prophecy concerning- birth of Jesus Christ (700yr).

Isaiah speaks of a great light shining on mankind.

Salvation is coming out of darkness into- light of God.

Col 1:13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, (MSG … dark dungeons)

The light is not just the removing of deception so we have knowledge/understand truth.

Jn 8:12 … I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. NASU

When Herod- Roman governor- was told by the Magi about a baby who would become King- troubled.

We have difficulty believing in the Christmas story, but Herod had no trouble believing the Magi.

Herod was so sure- he had 1000’s of babies murdered.

Isa 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

This morning- look at this baby and who He was.

For a child will be born- speaks of His humanity.

God took on the form of a man.

Only as a man could empathize w/us.

A son will be given to us- speaks of His divinity.

God gave us His Son as our deliverer.

Only a holy God could die for our sins.

And the government will rest on His shoulders-

Speaks of- second coming- come as a King.

One reason Herod was upset- his government was being challenged- Herod was king, not Jesus.

We struggle w/same thing when God wants to establish His government/rule/holiness in us.

And His name will be called- Wonderful Counselor

Some translations- 8 names, many combine in pairs.

Wonderful- a miracle, expressing actions that are beyond the bounds of human powers.

Counselor- to advise, to deliberate or resolve.

1. He understands our struggles

Heb 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. NASU

2. He cares about us

1Pe 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. NLT

3. He has committed Himself to us

Jn 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; NASU

Jesus is committed to taking care of His sheep.

He speaks to them and has given Himself to help them

Every single person here this morning has problems.

Turn to someone and say, “You’ve got problems!”

Now turn to God and say, "I’ve got problems!"

We are all alike in our struggle to live like Jesus.

The church is to be a community where people can be open and honest about their struggles.

We have a Wonderful Counselor.

And His name will be called- Mighty God

Mighty- powerful, warrior, champion,

Zep 3:17 "The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. NASU

1. He knows where we are and who we are

He knows what roads we have traveled, what turns we have made, what dead end streets we have been on

Jn 4:16-18 (Samaritan woman at the well)

Jesus knew her life, He knew her heart.

Her lifestyle was completely exposed to Him.

He knows the same things about you and me.

God knows the condition of our heart, but there is nothing beyond God’s ability to change in us.

2. He Knows our efforts to SAVE Ourselves

Dec 2006, Oregon- James Kim, his wife, two daughters- stranded in their car- snow storm. A week into the ordeal James left the car to get help. His wife/daughters were found alive- his body was found several days later. James did everything he could- he could not save himself.