CHRISTMAS CALM

Sermon Notes, December 16, 2012

Pastor Jan Sinozich

 

The third Sunday of Advent, the Shepherd candle, the candle of joy, was lit.  Just as the birth of Jesus gave great joy to His mother, so His presence in the world gives joy to those who believe in Him.  From hope comes joy.

Pastor Jan’s sermon was titled “Christmas Calm,” with Zephaniah 3:14-17 as her text. 

There was anxiety in Zephaniah’s time, just as there is in our time.  The people of Israel were surrounded by their enemies: Egypt, Babylon, Assyria.  There was much idolatry; people were toying with other gods.  Prophet after prophet announced God’s impending judgment while false prophets were prophesying peace.  In the midst of all this, and even though he also spoke of the devastation they would suffer because of their sin, Zephaniah managed to pronounce a message of hope and calmness.

In verse 14, he speaks to the Israelites in a familiar way, “Daughter of Zion,” and “Daughter of Jerusalem.”  Zion is the hill on which the temple stood; Jerusalem is the city where the king lived.  Like a parent talking to a child who sees monsters and shows them nothing is there, God will show them the false gods are just wood and stone, and that  He will save them from their enemies.

In verse 15, God gives us the reason to be calm and joyful: “The Lord has taken away our punishment, he has turned back our enemy.”  Jesus conquered sin and death, our greatest fear.  It was crucified with Him on the cross.  With His resurrection, Jesus shattered death’s chains and sealed shut Hell’s doors.  Death can no longer defeat us.  Just as a parent holds a child whose fears are not calmed by words, Jesus embraces us with His love.

Verses 16 & 17 give words of comfort, promising that “the Lord your God is with you.”   He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you.  He will quiet you with His love.  He will rejoice over you with singing.

This Christmas season, remember why Jesus came to that manger.  He exchanged the manger for a rough cross, to save you.  Stop and embrace your Savior.  And sing!