Candle of Hope

Isaiah 9 New International Version (NIV)

2 The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
    when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
    you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
    and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
    will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

3rd Sunday in Advent

Sermon scripture: Psalm 126
1
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
5
Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6
Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.

2nd Sunday in Advent

Sermon scripture: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
1
You, Lord, showed favor to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2
You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.

8
I will listen to what God the Lord says;
he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
but let them not turn to folly.
9
Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
10
Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12
The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
13
Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.

Remember God’s past mercy (vs.1-2):

I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. Jeremiah 29:14

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32:1

Listen carefully to God’s Word (vs.8-13):

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
Isaiah 32:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17

Psalms for Advent – 1st Sunday

Sermon scripture: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1
Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,
shine forth
2
before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.
Awaken your might;
come and save us.
3
Restore us, O God;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.
4
How long, Lord God Almighty,
will your anger smolder
against the prayers of your people?
5
You have fed them with the bread of tears;
you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.
6
You have made us an object of derision[b] to our neighbors,
and our enemies mock us.
7
Restore us, God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.
17
Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand,
the son of man you have raised up for yourself.
18
Then we will not turn away from you;
revive us, and we will call on your name.
19
Restore us, Lord God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.