“The Gift You Never Knew You Needed”

 Wishlist

“A Christmas series that brings the wonder, joy, and meaning of Christ’s birth to life.”

Introduction:

Good morning friends. Welcome to Eastern Shore Baptist Church. I want to be the first to wish all of you a very “Merry Christmas”. This morning we are starting a new Christmas series entitled “Wishlist”. Growing up, there was always one thing this 80’s kid looked for in late November or early December. It came in the mail. Can you guess what it was?

That’s right! It was the Sear’s Wish Book Catalog. 

Every year, Sear’s would mail a huge toy catalog to the homes of America. It was the most important, the most crucial, the most critical part of childhood American capitalism in the 1980’s. Page after page, a kid could dream about owning the latest greatest toys. The catalog was divided evenly down the middle between toys for boys and toys for girls. I remember vividly when the Wish Book made its way to my mail box. My big brother and I would argue who would get to circle the toys that they wanted first. Being that he was bigger and stronger than me, I think that you know who won and lost that battle. 

I digress…

For those of you who remember this right of passage, can you remember that experience? Do you remember what you circled? I would flip through the pages to find the latest “Transformers” toy, the newest “He-Man” toy or the best “G.I. Joe” figure. 

Speaking of G.I. Joe…

In the Wish Book there was the Holy Grail that all boys wanted. It was the biggest, the most expensive, the toy of all toys that, at least for me, was always out of reach. Guys, do you remember THAT toy? I’ll give you a hint. Think, G.I. Joe!

That’s right, the toy that I always wanted was the U.S.S. Flagg. The Flagg was the largest toy that Habro ever made. It came out in 1985 and cost $140 which is about $400 today. That toy always found its way to the top of my wish list. Even though it was on the list, it never seemed to arrive. I remember thinking to myself, “if I get this toy, the U.S.S. Flagg, I will never want anything ever again”. 

It was all I wanted. In my 7 year old mind, it was all that I would ever need. I thought that I would be complete. This toy was at the top of my wishlist. 

What about you friend? What is the thing that is at the top of your wishlist? What is the object you think you need to make you complete? What situation do you want to work out for you that would finally bring you peace? If only you can accomplish that goal that you have in your mind, you could finally relax and just enjoy life?

For those of us with some maturity, you have probably realized by now that peace, fulfillment, and purpose do not come through anything materially. No physical thing, no object, and give you long lasting happiness or peace. There is no THING that you could put at the top of your wishlist that would make your life complete. 

Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of people who still run after stuff. They run after money. They chase fame, power, authority, prestige hoping that it will finally lead to contentment. They are willing to just do just about anything for contentment. 

By the way, Jesus talks about this very subject in Matthew’s Gospel.

Matthew 16:24-26 ESV

Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. [25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [26] For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

“What shall a man give in return for his soul?”

Oh friends, the world makes lots of promises concerning peace, contentment, and fulfillment. Drink this if you want to numb the pain. Take this if you want to relax. Watch this if you want a little excitement. Have you noticed that the world tells us, that Satan tells us, that in order for us to have peace and contentment we have to do something with our physical bodies. It’s about pleasuring the body. 

There is another way church. Jesus wants to give you another gift. A gift that is not in a catalog. You can’t download it from the internet. You can’t purchase it from a dealer and you’ll not find it at the bottom of a bottle. Jesus wants to give you a gift that you never knew you needed. 

In fact, that is the title of our message today. The gift that you never knew you needed. 

Today’s Message:

“The Gift You Never Knew You Needed”

You know friends, God gave us His greatest gift on the night that Jesus was born. All the promises of the Old Testament are fulfilled in the person of Christ. Just think of all the things that the birth of Jesus provides to His followers. 

Hope.

Mercy. 

Forgiveness. 

Atonement. 

Think about that night. The night that Christ was born. All the strength, all the power, wrapped in a small human baby. Do me a favor brothers and sisters, fill in the blanks under “Today’s Thought”. 

The promises, provisions, and power of God are proven in the birth of Christ. 

Today’s Thought:

The Promises, Provisions, and Power of God Are Proven In The Birth of Christ

Listen to what John Piper states about the promises that are fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ. 

“All the promises of God in the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. That is, when you have Christ, sooner or later you will have both Christ himself and all else that God promised through Christ. His coming is the great, decisive “YES” to all of God’s promises. His coming makes all of them valid and certain. By His life, death, and resurrection, Christ secures every promise of God for His people. He purchased them with His blood. He is God’s confirmation that the promises made to Abraham and his offspring are as sure as God Himself.”

I really love what Pastor John says, “His coming is the great, decisive “YES” to all of God’s promises.” 

Isn’t that what we all want to hear when we ask for a gift? Yes! 

Let me tell you you friends, Jesus is the gift that that we, the human race, never knew we needed. 

Today’s Quote:

“All the promises of God in the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. That is, when you have Christ, sooner or later you will have both Christ himself and all else that God promised through Christ. His coming is the great, decisive “YES” to all of God’s promises. His coming makes all of them valid and certain. By His life, death, and resurrection, Christ secures every promise of God for His people. He purchased them with His blood. He is God’s confirmation that the promises made to Abraham and his offspring are as sure as God Himself.”

(Desiring God, “How Christ Fulfilled and Ended the Old Testament Regime,” by John Piper)

Background and Context 

The background of Isaiah 9:2-7 is a moment of hope in the middle of darkness. Isaiah was prophesying during a time of political chaos, spiritual decline, and national uncertainty in Israel and Judah. The Assyrian Empire was growing in power, threatening the survival of God’s people. The northern kingdom of Israel had turned to idolatry, and even Judah, where Isaiah ministered, was often wavering in its faithfulness to God. People were living in fear and confusion, desperate for deliverance.

But in the midst of this bad news, Isaiah offers a vision of hope—a promise of light breaking through the darkness. He looks to a coming gift. A gift to a hurting people living in darkness. He points to a future king, a child who will be born, bringing peace, justice, and righteousness to God’s people. This child is the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to David, a king who would reign forever. Isaiah reminds the people that despite the present hardship, God has not abandoned them. The government will rest on this child’s shoulders, and He will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

When we read Isaiah 9:2-7, we see God’s faithfulness on display. It’s not just a promise for ancient Israel; it’s a promise for us today. This passage points us directly to Jesus Christ, the ultimate gift who overcomes the darkness of sin. It’s a reminder that no matter how chaotic or uncertain life may feel, God is at work fulfilling His promises.

Before we read Isaiah 9:2-7, I want to remind you that…

Statement of Belief:

We believe the Bible is inspired, infallible, and authoritative. It is vital for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. God’s Word brings life, peace, and protection, and it profoundly touches the human soul. As a unique and powerful book, let us stand in reverence and respect for it.

Pastor: This is the Word of the Lord.

Congregation: Praise His name, praise His Holy name. 

Today’s Scripture:

Isaiah 9:2-7 ESV

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. [3] You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. [4] For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. [5] For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. [6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

What Promises Are Seen In Christ’s Birth?

We Are Given The Promise of…Light vs. 2

So, what are some of the promises that are seen in the birth of Jesus Christ? Fill in our first blanks this morning. We are given the promise of light. 

Remember…

“The birth of Jesus fulfills the promise of light, bringing hope to a dark world and illuminating the path to salvation.”

Friends, did you know that there are roughly 8 thousand promises in the Bible? That’s right! 8000! Of those 8000 promises, about 7500 of them are made by God to humanity. That’s a lot of promises. 

I think that one of the most encouraging promises that God makes to all of us is that we do not have to fear living, breathing and existing in darkness. We do not have to suffer in the shadows of sin. 

God sent light into this world in the form of His beloved Son Christ Jesus. 

God promises salvation, provision, peace, guidance, strength and eternal life. Still, what good is any of that if we are in darkness? There is nothing more unsettling, nothing more scary or sinister than complete and utter darkness. Physical darkness is one thing, but spiritual darkness is another thing. Scripture talks about darkness over and over again, warning us to run and flee from darkness and to seek the Light of God. 

The Bible frequently uses the theme of darkness to illustrate sin, separation from God, ignorance, or hardship. Here are several key verses that mention darkness:

Darkness is seen as a plague in Exodus 10:21.

God is our guide in the darkness. Psalm 18:28 “For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.”

We just read from Isaiah 9:2 ,“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”

Amos 5:20 talks about the day of the Lord as the day of judgement. That day will be a dark day, a day of fear, separation, and torment. “Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?”

But then Jesus came…

Matthew 4:16  states “The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

John 8:12 (ESV)

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

All this talk of darkness. What am I even talking about? When I say that Jesus came to save us from darkness and that God gives us the promise of light, what do I mean?

I mean that He came to rescue us from the spiritual, moral, and eternal consequences of living apart from God. Darkness represents sin, which separates us from Him, ignorance of His truth, bondage to evil, fear and despair in life’s struggles, and the ultimate fate of eternal separation from God. But Jesus, as the Light of the World, came to bring forgiveness for our sins, reveal the truth about who God is, break the power of evil, offer hope and peace in the midst of life’s trials, and secure eternal life for us. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He brings light into our hearts, transforms our lives, and leads us from the darkness of sin and death into the light of His grace and salvation.

Illustration:

The place was the San José Mine Gold Mine in Chile back in 2010. On August 5, 2010, 33 miners were trapped in a massive cave in. The mine had a history of safety violations and structural issues. The trapped miners found themselves 2500 feet below the surface. For nearly 70 days they lived in total and complete darkness. They couldn’t see their hands in front of their face. All they could do was huddle together for warmth, pray, talk, and sing. 

The world watched as rescue teams worked tirelessly to drill a narrow escape tunnel. For the miners, the promise of light was their only hope. When the first beam of light broke through the darkness and illuminated their small space, it was as if the entire world rejoiced. That light symbolized hope, rescue, and the end of their despair.

Isaiah 9:2 declares the promise of God’s light breaking into the spiritual darkness of our world through Jesus Christ. Just as those miners celebrated the light that ended their physical darkness, the birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring spiritual light and salvation to a world trapped in the darkness of sin.

John 8:12 NLT

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’”

What Promises Are Seen In Christ’s Birth?

We Are Given The Promise of…Light vs. 2

We Are Given The Promise of…Leadership vs. 6

So, we are given the promise of light! Next, we are given the promise of leadership. 

“Jesus’ birth promises godly leadership. He rules with justice and righteousness, providing guidance, protection, and peace for all who follow Him.”

Let’s go back to verse 6. 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

You know, Jesus has a lot of nicknames. He is called by many different titles?

Son of God

Emmanuel

John’s Gospel calls Jesus “The Word”.

The Alpha and the Omega

Son of Man

Rabbi

The Lamb of God

The Messiah

Savior

King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Prince of Peace

The Light of the World and the Bread of Life. 

The Bread of Life

The Resurrection and the Life

I could go on and on. You know, Jesus is whatever we need Him to be in whatever moment we find ourselves in. If we are lost He becomes our guide. If we are sick He becomes our Great Physician. If we are hurt and broken, He becomes our Healer. If we living in darkness, He becomes our Light. To the orphan He is ABBA Father. To the man or woman who lacks sibling affection, He becomes our brother. To those of us who have been abused, to those of us who have experienced wrong at the hand of evil people, Jesus becomes Justice. He is the Good and Righteous Judge. 

You know Jesus is whatever we need Him to be in whatever moment we find ourselves. To the weary, Jesus is our Rest, inviting us to lay down our burdens and find peace in Him. To the anxious, He is our Peace, calming our hearts with His presence. To the lonely, He is Emmanuel—God with us—reminding us we are never truly alone. To the guilty, He is our Advocate, standing before the Father to intercede on our behalf. To those in despair, He is our Hope, lifting our eyes to see that brighter days are ahead. To the sinner, He is the Lamb of God who takes away our sin and shame. To the seeker, He is the Truth, the answer to every question. To the one facing death, He is the Resurrection and the Life, assuring us that death does not have the final say. No matter our need or our circumstance, Jesus meets us with exactly what we need, for He is the Great I Am—the One who is everything we could ever need and more.

And not only is Jesus everything we need, but He is also more than we could ever imagine. Matthew 28:18 reminds us saying,  “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’” Jesus is the ultimate authority in the universe. He has the power to do whatever and become whatever He needs. Speaking of needs, He doesn’t just meet us at our point of need—He exceeds it. When we are hungry, He doesn’t just give us bread; He becomes THE Bread of Life that satisfies our deepest longings. When we thirst, He doesn’t just give us water; He becomes THE Living Water that quenches our souls forever. When we are afraid, He doesn’t simply calm the storm; He stands with us in the storm, commanding it to be still. Jesus walks on the waves of our problems, revealing to us His supremacy. When we feel unworthy, He doesn’t just call us forgiven; He clothes us in His righteousness and calls us His beloved. Jesus doesn’t merely address our temporary struggles—He transforms us for eternity. Whatever we bring to Him, He multiplies His grace and goodness in ways that surpass our understanding. Truly, Jesus is all-sufficient, and His love for us never fails. 

What about all those times we are afraid? When we feel like we are being hunted. What about those days when we find ourselves outside the herd? When we feel lost, abandoned, alone, scared? What about those times when we find ourselves in the pit, struggling in the miry clay? What about those days when we feel like the lost sheep, the sheep who has gone astray. 

Jesus tell us…

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

How many of you are thankful for the Good Shepherd? Say Amen! 

Amen! 

Illustration:

In the hills of the Middle East, shepherds lead their sheep not by driving them from behind but by walking ahead of them, calling them by name. The sheep follow because they know the shepherd’s voice and trust him to lead them to safe pastures, still waters, and protection from danger.

This is exactly how Jesus leads us, as described in John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” He doesn’t drive us or force us; instead, He walks ahead, showing us the way with love and care, guiding us through life’s valleys and toward God’s promises. Jesus becomes our servant leader. Just as sheep trust their shepherd, we can trust Jesus to lead us faithfully, providing for our needs and protecting us from harm. When we listen to His voice through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit, we can follow His lead with confidence, knowing He will never lead us astray.

What Promises Are Seen In Christ’s Birth?

We Are Given The Promise of…Light vs. 2

We Are Given The Promise of…Leadership vs. 6

We Are Given The Promise of…Life vs. 7

Oh friends, there are so many promises that are seen in Christ’s birth. Jesus is the gift that we never knew we needed. We are give the promise of light, the promise of leadership, and lastly…we are given the promise of life. 

“Jesus brings eternal life, a kingdom of endless peace, and the hope of everlasting joy with God.”

Let’s go back and read verse 7 of Isaiah 9. 

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

There is so much to pull from this verse. However, I am going to stick on the phrase “there will be no end”. 

Eternal life. Everlasting life. Forever. Jesus’ birth ushered in for all mankind, anyone and all people that would put their faith in Him, eternal life. There will be no end. 

The words captured in Isaiah 9:7 isn’t just a poetic phrase; it’s a declaration of the eternal nature of Jesus’ kingdom and His life-giving reign. The word “increase” signifies a growth and expansion that is unending. It’s not a static government, nor a fleeting peace—it’s dynamic, alive, and eternal. In the Greek Septuagint, the word akatalytos (A-cat-a-lie-tos) is used, which means “indestructible” or “unceasing.” This means that the life Jesus brings through His birth is eternal in duration and unshakeable in quality. His kingdom isn’t threatened by time, decay, or even the powers of darkness.

This eternal promise is rooted in Jesus’ nature. When Jesus said in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly,” He was describing the kind of life He offers—a life overflowing with vitality, purpose, and joy. But the abundance He speaks of is not merely about material wealth or momentary happiness. It’s a life that is anchored in the eternal—unshaken by circumstances and untouched by the grave. Jesus’ birth wasn’t just the arrival of a baby in a manger; it was the breaking in of eternal life into a dying world. It was the beginning of a kingdom where life itself would flourish forever. This promise of unending life is what sets Jesus apart—He doesn’t just rule; He breathes life into all who follow Him, giving them an unshakeable hope for today and for eternity.

This is why we celebrate Jesus’ birth with such joy. He didn’t come to offer us temporary relief or fleeting inspiration; He came to give us eternal life. This life doesn’t just begin when we die; it begins the moment we put our faith in Him. It’s a life that transforms our perspective, fuels our hope, and equips us to endure. His birth was a promise fulfilled: the arrival of life everlasting, a life we can experience now and forever. And the best part? There will never be an end to this life—His kingdom, His peace, and His reign continue to increase, bringing abundant life to all who call on His name.

Let me share with you the story of Horatio Spafford. Horatio was a successful lawyer in the 19th century, but his life was marked by tragedy. First, his young son died of illness. Then, much of his business was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire. As if that weren’t enough, his four daughters were lost in a shipwreck while crossing the Atlantic. On his way to meet his grieving wife, Horatio penned the words to the hymn It Is Well with My Soul. How could he write such words in the midst of unimaginable loss? Because Horatio knew that Jesus’ life was eternal and abundant. He knew that no matter how deep his grief, the life Jesus brought would carry him through, into eternity. “When peace like a river attendeth my way,” he wrote, “when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.” That’s the unshakeable life Jesus offers—a life not dependent on circumstances but rooted in the eternal.

So, as we consider the promise of life in Isaiah 9:7, remember this: Jesus’ birth ushered in life that never ends, peace that cannot be shaken, and hope that cannot fade. Let’s turn this information into your inspiration. Jesus came to bring life—live it, share it, and let it change you forever.

John 10:10 ESV

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promises You have fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Thank You for the light that shines in the darkness, giving us hope and joy. Thank You for the leadership of our Savior, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, who reigns with wisdom and grace. And thank You for the life Jesus brings—eternal, abundant, and unshakable. Help us to live in that life, to cling to Your promises, and to share Your hope with the world. May Your truth transform us and inspire us to follow You more faithfully. In the name of Jesus, the King who reigns forever, we pray. Amen.

Turn This Information Into Your Inspiration!