DON’T GET RUN OVER BY THE REINDEER: WAIT FOR IT

It is our hope that you are finding the joy and meaning of this Christmas season.  In our sermon series, “Don’t Get Run Over by the Reindeer” the sermon is “Wait for it!”  We struggle during this season with waiting!  It seems we are waiting in line, waiting in the drive through, or waiting for the family plan for Christmas and the lists seems to be endless!  But what are we really waiting for?  All of our waiting during this season just increases our frustration and despair.  One of the major problems during this time of year is “holiday blues” caused by stress and anxiety.  It is seems we are waiting for all the wrong things!  In Isaiah 9:1-7, the people were focused upon all the darkness of problems, uncertainties, and fear.  God is never content for darkness to reign, whether during the time of Isaiah or today.  These verses help us realize that the light of Christ can dispel the deepest darkness. If you are walking in darkness today, hear the words of God from Isaiah!  Wait for this light, it’s coming for you!  Isaiah 9:1-7: Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan– 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. (NIV)