Advent: Anticipating the Messiah (Saint John UMC sermon December 8, 2024)

As we gather on this Advent Sunday, we stand at the threshold of a profound celebration-the coming of our King, Jesus Christ. We find ourselves in a season of anticipation, mirroring the longing of Israel for the Messiah, a hope that resonates through the ages. In Isaiah 9:6-7, we encounter a majestic prophecy that speaks of a child born to us, a son given to us, encapsulating the essence of hope and divine authority. As we embark on this spiritual journey together, let us take a moment to explore the significance of this prophecy and its fulfillment in the miraculous birth of Jesus, as revealed in Matthew 1:20-23.