He Showed Up — Now We Show Up | Advent Week 1: Hope Sermon (Isaiah 9)

In the first week of Advent, we begin with Hope—the hope that comes from a God who showed up, who shows up now, and who will show up again. In this message, Pastor Debbi Smith launches our Advent theme: “He Showed Up — Now We Show Up.” Drawing from Isaiah 9, Pastor Debbi explores how “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light,” and how this promise shapes the way Christians live today. Our darkness, grief, and suffering are not signs of God’s absence—in Advent, we are reminded of the opposite: God is present in the darkest places. Because God showed up for us in Jesus, we are invited to show up for a world longing for hope, comfort, and light. Advent prepares us not only to remember Christ’s birth, but to participate in His ongoing work by being His hands and feet. 📖 Key Scripture “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…” — Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) 🙏 What You’ll Learn in This Sermon Why Advent begins with the promise of Hope How God shows up in our darkness and suffering What Isaiah 9 teaches us about God’s presence How Christians “show up” for others because Christ showed up for us How to live in the “already and not yet” of God’s kingdom ⛪ About Cordova Church of the Nazarene We’re a community-focused church in Sacramento, dedicated to following Jesus and loving our neighbors. Join us in person or online every Sunday at 10:30 AM for worship, teaching, and connection. 📍 3520 Bradshaw Rd, Sacramento, CA 95827 🌐 CordovaNaz.com 💬 Connect & Support 🙏 Need prayer? Submit a request: cordovanaz.com/contact