Advent
Of Hope
December 3, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Isaiah 11:1–10
Advent means "coming" or "arrival" and anticipates the coming of Jesus. No biblical book foreshadows and looks forward to Jesus like the prophet Isaiah. The traditional Advent themes of Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love can all be found in the book. Hope is to act in the present based upon our expectation of the future that is not yet seen. The quality and strength of our hope is imperative for our joy in the present. In Isaiah 11:1-10, we see that in Jesus there is hope: in the darkness, for true justice, of restoration, and for all people.
Of Peace
December 10, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Isaiah 26:1–12
The Hebrew word for peace is shalom and is broader and more all encompassing than the modern understanding of well-being. Positively, it means wholeness or completeness. Negatively, it means the absence of conflict within ourselves, with others, and in the world. However, without peace with God vertically, there is no peace internally or horizontally. How do we experience peace at Christmas? We first have to acknowledge our hostility with God. Only when we realize God is our problem can he also become our solution. When we do, we begin to see how God works peace on our behalf.
Of Joy
December 17, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Isaiah 35
Joy and Christmas are often synonymous, but the connection is often assumed and not examined. At the same time, the repeated emphasis and flashing lights of "Joy" at Christmas can remain superficial and not produce true joy, but leave us feeling hollow and empty. The Incarnation of Christ is the prerequisite for Joy. In Isaiah 35, we see a future age of everlasting joy and the reasons for it. Christmas is the dawn of this indestructible joy and the future is realized through Jesus.
Of Love
December 24, 2023 • Stephen Putbrese • Isaiah 54:1–10
What is love? Is love sentiment and feeling? Is it action and commitment? Is it chiefly romantic? Is it a biological impulse that propagates our species? Depending on your understanding, you will express certain definitions and explanations - i.e. Love does. Love is love. Love wins. The Apostle John writes that "God is Love", meaning love is chiefly defined in and through him. But what does that mean? In this last Advent teaching from Isaiah 54, we see the everlasting love God displays for his people. This love is full of compassion, but also absolutely holy. The coming of Christ at Christmas is the beginning of the greatest act of love and displays God's ferocity to deal with sin while also his steadfast love towards his people.