A Child Born FOR Us
Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV) 2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
It scarcely seems possible, but we are just five days away from celebrating Christmas. In the midst of our preparations, I would ask that we take a moment to prepare our hearts for the real Christmas, and few verses carry the meaning of Christmas like Isaiah 9.
The prophet Isaiah gives us a glimpse of the coming King, and he reminds the Jewish people that not only had they lived in the darkness of being held captive in a foreign land, but their souls had grown dark. God’s chosen people needed the light that can only come from the Son of the Living God.
“And He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” At a time when life seemed hopeless for the children of God, Jesus came and nothing has ever been the same.
Is the world still filled with darkness? Undoubtedly it is, yet because of Jesus we have a blessed hope that His light can overcome the darkness. Because of Jesus we can be assured that our circumstances do not have to destroy us. Because of Jesus we understand that the miracle of Christmas is still alive.
As we count down the days and the hours to December 25, may we take time to focus on the reason for the season, and may we continue to look forward to His return. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Father God, help us to put aside some time each day to spend time with You, to remember that Christmas was when the light came into the world, and that light has never been diminished. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Seeking Holiness 