He Shall Be Called, pt. 1—Wonderful Counselor

 Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness… on those living in the land of deep darkness…

1. Advent starts with .

“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” –Dietrich Bonhoeffer

2. Advent is an .

3. Advent is about two .

Isaiah 9:6a NIV
He will be called Wonderful Counselor…

Exodus 15:15 NIV

Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?

4. Advent evokes our

Proverbs 8:27, 29-30 NIV
I was there when he set the heavens in place… and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. Then I was constantly at his side.

5. Advent gives us .

Isaiah 9:2 NIV
On those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

 “Though in a manger thou draw breath, thou art greater than life and death.” –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY

I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each dark, accursed mouth, the cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound the carols drowned of peace on earth, good-will to men! 

It was as if an earthquake rent the hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn the households born of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head ; “There is no peace on earth,” I said ; 
“For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men!”