A Sign

21 December 2016

Opening Prayer/Worship

Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful

Theme: Lord of all

Topic: A Sign

Reading: Isaiah 7:10-16

Introduction

Long before Jesus Christ was born, God had through the prophets announced His plans to redeem mankind through the gift of His only begotten Son.  The coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ through Immaculate Conception by the power of the Holy Spirit was in fulfillment of one of the most important prophecies of all times.  This weekend, as we mark the birth of Jesus Christ, it is a good time to remember that similar to His birth, He is a living sign from God.  Christ represents freedom, victory, liberty, God’s presence, love in the midst of hatred and guarantee of eternal life for all believers.  The living Saviour is a sign to us that God is Lord of all, and that the Lord has done everything necessary to reconcile humanity back to Himself.  Christmas is also a good time to remember His promise to come again, and to remain ready for His second coming.  Have a merry Christmas and prosperous 2017!

Questions/Discussion

1) In what ways is Jesus Christ a sign?

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

John 1:14-18

Romans 1:1-7

2) What are the lessons for us in Matthew 1:18-25 regarding the Immaculate Conception of Jesus Christ?

Matthew 1:18-25.

3) Compare the birth of Jesus Christ and His second coming; discuss the similarities and differences.

Isaiah 6:1-13

John 14:1-4, 28-31

2 Timothy 4:1-8

Intercession/Worship

Conclusion

The living Saviour is a sign to us that God is Lord of all, and that the Lord has done everything necessary to reconcile humanity back to Himself.

Closing Prayer (Collect for Fourth Sunday of Advent)

Heavenly Father, who chose the Virgin Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour, now fill us with your grace, that we in all things may embrace your will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.