The Promise
“The Fire and the Wood are Here”
Genesis 22:1-18

What do Adam and Eve, Abraham, David and Zerubbabel have to do with the Christmas Story?

The Promise
Didn’t begin in the manger but the garden
Was given by an altar 

God makes a promise, and He fulfills it.

Genesis 22:1-18

What father would do that?

“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son…Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.” – Hebrews 11:17, 19

Isaac
Old enough to carry wood 
Strong enough to stop his dad
Old enough to know his birthright 

“…in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed…” – Genesis 22:18

Blessed = Joy
Genesis 26:3; Deuteronomy 7:13; Judges 13:24; Psalm 32:1-2, 63:1-5; Job 42:12; Ephesians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 2:9; James 1:12

Joy is …
Trusting God even when what God allows makes no sense – Romans 8:35-39
Knowing that the world makes empty promises 
Received from God not achieved by us

“…the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” – Luke 2:10-11

“Joy to the world”

Christmas is either incredibly cruel or an immeasurably loving sacrifice given.