How Matthew Uses Isaiah
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Scriptures: Matthew 1:18–25, Isaiah 7:13–16, Isaiah 8:9–10
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In this sermon, Jeremy explores how the story of Jesus’ birth in Matthew is deeply rooted in the prophetic imagery of Isaiah, particularly the promise of "Immanuel"—God with us. We look at Isaiah's context of political tension and war and see how the prophecy to highlight God's consistent presence and advocacy for peace gets re-interpreted in Matthew. Through the Advent season, we are invited to see old stories in new ways, embrace the paradox of despair and hope, and recognize that the incarnation is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality of God arriving in our lives today.
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Community is shaped by the conversations we share. These questions and reflections are a tool to help you meaningfully engage with the themes of this week's teaching.
With a lot of our groups going on a Christmas break starting in early or mid-December, I have more of a reflective approach to sermon discussions for those of you who are still planning to have one or two meetings during Advent.
Start your meeting with the Advent Liturgy for the week (written by Bobbi)
Then reflect on the sermon for the week along these lines:
What was new to me or caught my attention?
Reflect on how Jesus’ humanity reflected in the message connects with your experience of life and being human.
Share an encouragement or an inspiration for your own spiritual journey in this sacred season:
What are you waiting for this season?
Where are you feeling the pull toward peace, love, joy, and hope?
In what way is this season meaningful for you this year, or this week?
Download the PDF for detailed instructions for each week.
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CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 37
MUSIC Curated by Clint Siebert
Chris Tomlin - Angels We Have Heard On High
David Crowder - Noel
Passion - O Come All Ye Faithful
Hillsong Worship - King Of KingsADVENT LITURGY: Darkness (Hope)
Written by Bobbi Salkeld
Every year, we rehearse the four themes of Advent by lighting a new candle in the Advent wreath. We watch the glow of Advent grow brighter and brighter as we get closer to Christmas.Today, we focus on hope.
In our Advent waiting, we pay attention to the dark.
We imagine an angel first appearing to Mary in the dark.
We see the dark womb where Christ grew in a place of nourishment.
We attend to our own vulnerabilities so often in the cover of the night.
In our waiting, we wonder – what new darkness will God illuminate with hope?
Into the darkness of what keeps us up at night, God arrives.
As we light the first candle of Advent,
we see in this one small light hope in the dark.
Light candle
Prayer
Come, Advent God,
and bring us your bright hope.
Amen.
SERIES BUMPER
Approach
