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Advent Sermons || Hope in the Impossible || Isaiah 7:10-16

Hope in the Impossible | Isaiah 7

Hope in the Impossible | Isaiah 7

Series: Discovering Hope in Jesus

In the third part of our Advent series, *Discovering Hope*, Andrew Irwin explores the theme of hope in impossible circumstances, drawing from Isaiah 7:10-16. In this powerful passage, we see God offering King Ahaz and the people of Judah a sign of His presence and faithfulness: the promise of Emmanuel, “God with us.” This assurance points forward to Jesus, the ultimate fulfilment of hope for a broken and struggling world.

God's Invitation in Uncertainty

Life often confronts us with challenges that feel insurmountable. Like King Ahaz, we may face situations that leave us overwhelmed and searching for answers. In Isaiah’s time, Judah was on the brink of destruction, with enemy armies advancing and fear gripping the people. Despite their unfaithfulness, God extended an invitation through Isaiah: “Ask the Lord your God for a sign.” This offer was not merely to ease Ahaz’s doubts but to remind him of God’s sovereign power and unwavering presence.

But Ahaz refused, hiding behind a false sense of piety, claiming he would not “test” the Lord. His rejection reflected not humility, but a lack of trust in God. How often do we, like Ahaz, choose self-reliance over God’s promises, missing the assurance He longs to give us?

The Sign of Hope: Emmanuel

In His grace, God did not withdraw His promise. Instead, He declared that He would give a sign regardless: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel.” This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfilment in the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world who came to dwell among us and bring redemption. The sign of Emmanuel is a powerful reminder that no situation is beyond God’s reach, and no darkness is too great for His light to overcome.

From the manger to the cross, Jesus demonstrates that hope is found not in our circumstances, but in God’s presence with us. He is the God who walks with us through every valley, who transforms the impossible into a testimony of His grace and power.

Living as Bearers of Hope

As we reflect on the hope of Emmanuel this Advent season, we are reminded of our call to be light in the darkness. God’s invitation to trust Him extends to each of us today. Are we willing to lay down our self-reliance and embrace the hope He offers? And as we do, how can we share that hope with those around us?

The church is not a private members’ club—it is a hospital for the broken, a beacon of light in a world desperately in need of hope. This Christmas, may we carry the message of Emmanuel into our communities, proclaiming that God is with us and that His love and grace are available to all who trust in Him.

Listen to the Full Sermon

Be encouraged by the full message of this week’s sermon. Click play below to listen:

We hope this message blesses you and inspires you to embrace the hope of Emmanuel. Join us next Sunday as we continue our Advent series, *Discovering Hope*, and reflect on the incredible promises of God fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

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