Isaiah 9:1-7 | A Weary World Rejoices | Rich Jones

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This is a weary world. It’s been almost two years of dealing with this pandemic. People are truly tired and tired of it, just in time for new variant to arise. But God has sustained us, and He will never leave us nor forsake us. He promises to walk with us through every trial and tribulation. Even if you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, do not fear, for God is with you. And if God is for you, who can be against you?

But the world is wearied not just from the pandemic, but also by so many other conditions and events in the world. The nation is more divided than ever, anger and animosity loom just under the surface. Russia has amassed troops on the border with Ukraine bringing Europe to the precipice of a great conflict. China’s heavy hand is a growing concern as it exerts its will over the world. Iran is one step away from developing a nuclear weapon.

You’re probably wondering, “Where are you going with all this? Great job, pastor, I brought friends and now you’re depressing all of us.” Here’s my point, the world was also weary when God sent His Son into the world; to a dry and weary land where there is no water. Rome was oppressing the world and poverty and hardship were everywhere.

That’s why the theme of Christmas is rejoicing. When God sends light into the darkness, when the hopeless find hope, when the weary are strengthened, it’s time to rejoice.

If you think about it, all the traditions of Christmas have something to do with rejoicing. Lights and candles, beautifully wrapped gifts, songs of celebration, bells on bobtails that ring, making spirits bright, eggnog, hot chocolate, candy canes and Christmas carols. They’re all traditions of Christmas that bring joy in the darkest part of the year.

Cultures around the world have Christmas traditions that speak of rejoicing. Although some are rather interesting.

In Japan, the traditional Christmas dinner is Kentucky Fried Chicken. That would make anyone rejoice! This is so popular in Japan that families must make reservations well in advance to be certain they’ll have KFC on Christmas Day.

In Finland, it’s tradition to visit a cemetery over Christmas. Graveside candles are lit; entire cemeteries are lighted. Three-fourths of all Finnish families visit a cemetery at Christmas, mostly on Christmas Eve. Special traffic arrangements are needed to handle the crowds.

If you think about it, there’s a beautiful and powerful message behind the Finland tradition of visiting a cemetery on Christmas Eve. God sent His Son to conquer death and give eternal life to all who trust in Him. So, yes, putting lights in cemeteries is a beautiful picture of a powerful truth!

In Hawaii, the tradition is to eat Spam on Christmas. Which, I’m sure brings joy to them, but as for me, I have a spam filter, so, no Spam for me.

In Venezuela, people go to Christmas Eve service on roller skates. So many people roller skate to church on Christmas Eve they close the streets. Which gives new meaning to the expression ‘holy rollers.’

And of course, who could forget our own American tradition of Christmas fruitcake? It’s kind of an ironic to call it fruitcake, however, because it is neither fruity nor cakey. However, fruitcake has a rich history. It was originally used by Roman soldiers as MREs, or “meals ready-to-eat” because they could hold so much nutrition without spoiling. Eventually it became a gift of royalty and is even today served at Royal weddings in England. Tradition has it that fruitcake was brought over by the pilgrims. I think people are still passing on the same fruitcakes they had on the Mayflower. Interestingly, so-called Figgie Pudding is actually fruitcake. When carolers sing, “So bring us the Figgie Pudding,” they’re actually demanding fruitcake!

We must be careful, however, that traditions don’t replace the meaning and message of why God sent His Son. The world is weary and needs hope.
Pastor Rich Jones
Pastor Matthew Dodd
Rich Jones Calvary Chapel
Calvary Chapel Worship Center
Calvary Chapel Hillsboro
Calvary Chapel Oregon
Calvary Chapel Beaverton
Calvary Chapel Portland

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