The Comfort of Christmas
Week 2
René Schlaepfer
Part of Advent 2021—Shadow & Light
December 5, 2021

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“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. Isaiah 40:1

Three sources of comfort

  1. God’s perfect

    Reveal Answer

    Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. Isaiah 40:2

    A voice of one calling in the desert: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; The rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, And all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3-5

  2. God’s perfect

    Reveal Answer

    A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “what shall I cry?” “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall…But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8 (See Isaiah 40:26)

    You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout,lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. Isaiah 40:9-10

  3. God’s perfect

    Reveal Answer

    He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

    “I am the good shepherd.” John 10:11

ADVENT MEDITATIONS

  1. Read Isaiah 40:1-12. Think back over the sermon. Which of the three points about God’s perfect timing, perfect power, and perfect love means the most to you right now? Why?
  2. Read Isaiah 53:5,6. This is a prophecy about how Jesus paid the penalty of our sin. You do not need to earn God’s favor. It is all forgiven! How is this different from the way many perceive Christianity? How does this change your relationship with God?
  3. Read Isaiah 40:10-11. How does knowing God is all-powerful bring you comfort? How does it feel knowing such a powerful God holds you tenderly and closely to his heart?
  4. Read Isaiah 40:12-14. Why is it important to live with a sense of awe at the greatness of God? What does this put in perspective? Where and when do you get a sense of God’s majesty?

NEXT WEEKEND

Highlights of Handel’s “Messiah”

  • Featuring TLC Choir, Monte Vista Choir, and special soloists
  • Narration from Pastor René
  • In all three services

IN THREE WEEKS

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

  • 12/23 - 6pm // 12/24 - 3, 4:30 & 6pm

Remembering Service

  • 12/23 7:15pm

Christmas Weekend Service Time

  • 12/26 11am

STAY CONNECTED