“BAH, HUMBUG!” - AN UNLIKELY STATE FOR REJOICING

•    Scrooge resisted nephew’s attempts at cheer
•    many mentions of “joy” in Isaiah’s prophecy despite Judah’s situation
•    feebleness, fearfulness, physical ailments
•    dryness, monsters, sorrow

SAFETY, ABILITY, SUPPLY

•    Safety: Incarnation about deliverance from sins, not Santa
•    Ability: physical healing supernaturally evident in Jesus’ ministry
•    Supply: Jesus ample source of living water – wells up to eternal life

HIGHWAY, HOLY

•    Highway: no longer stuck in guilt – Jesus makes possible access to the Father
•    Holy: no longer wicked fools, but devoted to doing good

DEPUTY, PROXY

•    Deputy: God’s vengeance and retribution to enemies who follow evil
•    Proxy: redeemed and ransomed by Christ giving His life for many

THE EXCHANGE

•    Somali pirate hijacking resulted in captured Captain
•    power and patience in prayer: God helped