This Christmas we are focusing on how Jesus is the light who shines in the darkness.
He is for us
He is with us
He is amongst us
He is for us
He is with us
He is amongst us
- Pause – As you begin, pause, open your hands and be aware that God is present with you.
- Read – Read the Bible passage slowly.
Isaiah 9:1-7
Hope in the Messiah
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.
For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
Hope in the Messiah
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.
For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
- Reflect – Notice what stands out. Why does it stand out? Read the reflection:
God is with us…
When God speaks it precedes action. Matthew, in his gospel quotes this passage and both describes the events surrounding the birth of Jesus and adds commentary. He remembers the words of the prophet Isaiah and his message to the people of his day. In the midst of God’s judgment, he anticipates a deliverer. In 9:2 it says: ‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light ….’ He then describes the coming of a child who would grow to govern. His governance is described in a series of titles: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. I wonder which of these describes the kind of governance you need over your life today? Take a moment to consider this and then lay hold of it and thank Him in advance.
When God speaks it precedes action. Matthew, in his gospel quotes this passage and both describes the events surrounding the birth of Jesus and adds commentary. He remembers the words of the prophet Isaiah and his message to the people of his day. In the midst of God’s judgment, he anticipates a deliverer. In 9:2 it says: ‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light ….’ He then describes the coming of a child who would grow to govern. His governance is described in a series of titles: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. I wonder which of these describes the kind of governance you need over your life today? Take a moment to consider this and then lay hold of it and thank Him in advance.
- Respond – Respond to God in prayer