Sermons

What Led to Christmas Week 1 – Isaiah 7:10-17 – 12/7/25

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Sermon Series: Today we’re in a mini series where we’re taking a look at what led to Christmas!

 

The Sign of Immanuel

10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: 11 “Ask a sign of the Lord your[a] God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 And he[b] said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also?14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.[c] 15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. 17 The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!”

Sometimes we can think about our faith as a list of “to do’s” and “not do’s.” While there are things that God instructs us to do and not to do, the fact is that our faith is so much more than that. As we enter into this Christmas season, we’re taking a look at what led to Christmas. Today, we’re looking at a famous prophecy about Jesus’ birth. By taking a look at it, we can learn that Jesus’ birth gives us hope by teaching us that:

  1. God’s faithfulness supersedes our unfaithfulness

Is. 7:10-14, 25:1, 2 Tim. 2:13, Rom. 3:3, 1 Cor. 1:9

  1. We don’t have to earn our salvation

Is. 7:14, Eph. 2:8-9, Rom. 5:8, Gal. 2:16, Titus 3:5

  1. God wants a wants with us

Is. 7:14, James 4:8, John 1:14, 10:10, 17:3

  1. Our hope isn’t dependant on our circumstances

Is. 7:15-17, Rom. 8:38-39, 2 Cor. 12:10, Phil. 4:11-13

Reflecting on God’s Word

Getting Started

  • Take some time to read over Isaiah 7:10-17 and pray. 
  • Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it? 
  • What surprised you as we talked about it?
  • As you reflect on this sermon series, and the idea of the Old Testament pointing towards Jesus, what questions come to mind? 
  • Take some time in prayer asking God to prepare your heart for this Christmas season. 

 

Diving In 

  1. Read Isaiah 7:10-12. King Ahaz seemed to have a good answer on the surface, but dig a little deeper, and it becomes evident that his heart was far from God. Have you ever experienced a season of life where you seemed to be ok on the outside, but your heart was far from God? If so, what happened? If you’re there now, what step(s) can you take? 

 

  1. Despite King Ahaz’s heart (and the rest of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God), God still sends Jesus. Read 2 Timothy 2:13. How does this offer you hope? 

 

  1. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. God’s Word makes it clear that we can’t earn our salvation. How does that offer you hope? 

 

  1. Read John 3:16-17. God makes it clear that He sent Jesus, His one and only Son, so that we could be justified with Him, and have a relationship with Him. How does that offer you hope? 

 

  1. Read Isaiah 7:15-17. Israel’s circumstances become much worse. Yet, despite their circumstances, Jesus still comes. This teaches us that our hope isn’t dependent on our circumstances. What circumstances are going through that could, if you let it, steal your hope? How does remembering this part of God’s Word help you to have a hope that isn’t dependent on your circumstances? 

 

Applying the Scripture

What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word? 

  • What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture? 
  • How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord? 
  • Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?

 

 











 

 

Small Group Guide:

Open with prayer.

Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?

If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.

Prayer Time:

Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.

Staying Missional:

Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:

Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?

What’s next?

Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?