Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Theme for Nov-Dec 2021 – Joy

a. God has promised to give us a fullness of joy   (John 15:11)

b. Our challenge this Christmas is to discover His gift of joy!

c. How we may discover God’s gift of joy

i. When we learn more about God

ii. When we cultivate our understanding of Him

iii. When we exercise faith in Him and His word

2. One aspect of God which we can rejoice in – “Raised up a horn of salvation”

a. This was a word shared by Zacharias in Luke 1:69

b. It was one of his reasons to rejoice in and bless God   (Luke 1:68)

c. It is also a word for us to learn today so that we can find joy too!

THE PHRASE “HORN OF SALVATION”

1. The “horn of salvation”

a. Drawn from the imagery of an ox’s horn

b. Symbolises God’s power to save

2. The “horn of salvation” in Luke 1:69

a. Refers to the Messiah (the Lord Jesus Christ)

b. He was the horn of salvation whom God has raised up for us!

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GOD RAISING UP “A HORN OF SALVATION FOR US”

1. It represents God’s plan of salvation for us

a. God has a plan of salvation for all of us

i. To save us from sin

ii. To save us from sorrow and suffering

iii. To save us from eternal death

b. He would accomplish His plan of salvation through His “horn of salvation”

i. The Lord Jesus would deliver us from sin, suffering and death

ii. He would save us through His death and resurrection!

2. It is God’s fulfilment of His promises in His word

a. God’s promises as spoken by His prophets of old

i. He would make David’s seed endure forever   (Psalm 89:29, 36)

ii. He would establish His throne forever   (Psalm 89:29, 36)

b. Raising a horn of salvation from David’s lineage was a fulfilment of His promises!

3. It reflects God’s power

a. To bring His plan of salvation to pass

b. To fulfil His promises in His word

c. To do even the impossible

i. He would raise His horn of salvation from the virgin Mary

ii. He would help her conceive miraculously by His Spirit   (Luke 1:35)

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR US ALL

1. Let us appreciate the significance of God raising up the horn of salvation in our lives

a. That God will save us from sin, suffering and death

b. That God will certainly fulfil His promises in His word to us

c. That God can give us His power to help us cope with life’s challenges

2. May this sense of appreciation lead us to find joy in God this Christmas!

a. Joy that we can be saved

b. Joy that we can trust in His promises

c. Joy that we can experience His power to live life meaningfully