Christmas Promised

Advent or the Christmas season is or ought to be a celebration of the person and work of Jesus Christ. There are many issues associated with the celebration of Christmas. But against this confusing and sometimes disturbing background of abuses and excesses, one overwhelming truth abides: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." It's always right for us to celebrate the entrance of Jesus Christ into the world. Charles Spurgeon, despite his distaste for the Christ-mass, took advantage of the season to preach on the incarnation. Isaiah 11 is all about the coming of Messiah; Isaiah 11 is Christmas Promised. Today we want to place the text into its context, and in future weeks we'll see what the prophet tells us about our Savior.