The first lesson Jesus taught was that God honors faith. God honors those that walk and talk faithfully.

Isaiah 9 highlights God’s incredible love for His people. Advent reminds us that God shows magnificent love. Notice three actions prompted by God’s magnificent love.

The fragility of human life creates all too frequent moments when we totter on the brink of ruin. In these moments, Messiah delivers joy to the afflicted. Listen as three voices highlight this message of joy found in Isaiah 61.

Our world desperately needs peace and would trade almost anything to have it. Where can peace be found? What provides lasting peace? Isaiah reminds us God’s Word brings peace. Listen as three voices help us find peace in times of trouble.

We await the day God will set all things right by the hand of His Messiah. What hope is left? Messiah is our only hope. Look at Isaiah’s prayer (Isaiah 64) and notice Messiah is our only hope when hope seems lost.

What happens when life does not go as planned? What does life teach you in those moments? Notice the pattern of service set by a priest in today’s text. Keep serving God because help is on the horizon.

Today starts the Advent season. Today, through music and Scripture reading, we will spend time praising and thanking God for giving us a Savior, Jesus.

“It’s always darkest before dawn” the proverb tells us. Israel’s national history unfolded that way. Instead of finding the light of God’s presence and blessing they experienced metaphoric darkness. Isaiah gave God’s promise of true light. This true light would come in the person of God’s Messiah.

Mark records the arrival ceremony of two great individuals. Far from being filled with pomp and circumstance, their arrival is almost archaic in its nature. Nothing indicates position, popularity, or prominence; yet the arrival of these two persons marks a turning point in history. Mark tells us in the Great Servant has arrived.