Songs of Christmas Message Series

A new message series starts this weekend at First United Methodist Church Waco called “The Songs of Christmas”. Over the years, I have developed the practice of taking notes of each sermon with the purpose of seeking insight and life lessons. The staff of my church does a good job of giving us an outline to study and below is the outline for today’s sermon. I will be getting back to share notes and any insights or life lessons learned. A podcast of each message is available at this link. Usually, the podcast is ready after the 9:30 worship service which is about 2 hours from this posting.

1. A SONG OF LIGHT IN OUR DARKNESS.

“But suddenly there will be no more gloom for the land that suffered …before those people lived in darkness, but now they have seen a great light. They lived in a dark land, but a light has shined on them.” – Isaiah 9:1-2 (NCV)

2. A SONG OF HOPE IN OUR TURBULENCE.

“A new Branch will grow from a stump of a tree; so a new king will come from the family of Jesse. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon that king. The Spirit will give Him wisdom and understanding, guidance and power….” – Isaiah 11:1-2a (NCV)

3. A SONG OF RESPONSE IN OUR PRAYERS.

“A child has been born to us; God has given a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace. Power and peace will be in His kingdom and will continue to grow forever.” – Isaiah 9:6-7a (NCV)

4. A SONG OF PATIENCE IN OUR WAITING.

“But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness and many will rejoice with you at his birth.” – Luke 1:13-14 (NLT)

5. A SONG OF CERTAINTY IN OUR FAITH.

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph….” – Luke 1:26:27ab (NLT)