Thank you for joining us this Sunday as we begin our new Advent series, “The Promise of Christmas.” Over the next four weeks, we’ll look at the stories of four people who were the first to see the promise of a savior fulfilled!

1 Peter 1: 13 NLT

13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

1. Hope is a Certainty about the Future that Impacts Present
   

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   Isaiah 9:2 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.

   Luke 2: 25-35 NLT
   25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

   29 Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. 30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people. 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!

   33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.

2. Hope Comes out of Deep Desire and Desperate Need
   

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3. Hope is Found in a Person
   

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   Isaiah 7: 14 NIV
   14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

   Isaiah 9:6 NIV
   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.