sermon

Advent and Christmas Sermon Series

Sundays

Savior of the Nations Come

Located on the front of the historic Trinity Church in Boston are the sculptures of six men. At the center are four Gospel writers who are flanked on the right by Paul and on the left by Isaiah. Isaiah’s presence in this distinguished cloud of witnesses speaks volumes about his importance for the church.

Jerome (c. 342–420) wrote of Isaiah, “He should be called an evangelist rather than a prophet because he describes all the mysteries of Christ and the Church so clearly that you think he is composing a history of what has already happened rather than prophesying about what is to come.” Likewise, when Augustine (345–430) asked Ambrose (c. 327–400) for his advice on what he should read, the latter suggested Isaiah, “Because, I believe, he is more plainly a foreteller of the Gospel and of the calling of the Gentiles than are the others.” Isaiah is one of the most theologically significant books in the Bible.

Our series for Advent and Christmas employs a section in this book—Isaiah 40:1–11. For Advent grandeur, majesty, and supreme artistry, no section in Isaiah comes close to these verses. Their soaring language and unforgettable imagery are tightly woven into the fabric of the season’s hymnody, liturgy, and devotional literature. An inspiring time awaits us as we sing anew, “Savior of the Nations Come.”

December 1 — “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People” (Isaiah 40:1–2)

December 8 — “Prepare the Royal Highway” (Isaiah 40:3–5)

December 15 — “Hark the Glad Sound” (Isaiah 40:6–8)

December 22 — “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (Isaiah 40:9)

December 29 — “Joy to the World” (Isaiah 40:10–11)

Midweek

His Name Shall Be Called

During the season of Advent, we prepare to celebrate the birth of God’s Son, who was given the name Jesus—a Hebrew name that means “God saves.” In addition to His earthly name, Holy Scripture calls Jesus by various titles which describe something about His person or work. In this year’s Midweek Advent/Christmas series, we are going to examine four titles given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6. Those titles are “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace.” We will learn how each of these titles describes something about who Jesus is and what He did for our salvation.

December 4 — “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6)

December 11 — “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6)

December 18 — “Everlasting Father” (Isaiah 9:6)

December 24 — “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)