Today we are hearing from God through Isaiah who intends to bring us comfort. And it is my desire as well that you are comforted today. And if you are like me, you can be comforted with the sound of music; so that’s what we are going to do… we are going to hear some comforting music. So I want you to be comforted but not too comfortable… because I need you to stay awake.

Isaiah 40:1-5

1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

For Adult Homes and Groups

After listening to the opening of Handel’s Messiah today in the message, now listen to the end of it when the text is sung. Simply visit youtube.com/watch?v=bR0cEOTpYSk&t=757s and go to 2:09:50.

“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption; and this mortal must put on immortality.  Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, Who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” - 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (Movement 47-51)

“If God be for us, who can be against us?... Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again. Who is at the right hand of God, Who makes intercession for us.” - Romans 8:31, 33–34 (Movement 52)

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. Blessing and honor, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.  Amen.” - Revelation 5:12–14 (Movement 52)

For Families with Kids

Memory Verse: When it is time to save you, I will help you. I will keep you safe. (Isaiah 49:8)    

1. Isaiah spoke to God’s people and asked them to make a U-turn, repent of sin, and obey God. We make choices each day that do or do not please God. Discuss some choices you have made, both good and bad. 

2. Pray, “Thank you God for sending your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the forgiveness that He bought for me. Help me to share the love of Jesus with others and make decisions that show I am following You. In Jesus name, Amen.”