To Read: Isaiah 9:1-6
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Just like in the prophecy of Isaiah 7, these words of comfort are sent in a time of distress. V. 5 tells us poetically that this child who will be born is answer to war – that these soiled garments and battles will be burned away – they will be no more. The birth of Jesus is truly a declaration of “peace on Earth.” His birth signifies the only possibility of escape for every human being, trapped in a world that is broken because of sin, trapped in a sinful nature that has caused a great division between themselves and God. This is the only way for reconciliation!
The prophecy begins by saying that these lands of Israel, Zebulun and Naphtali, they have been full of contempt, but glory comes to these areas nearby – these Gentile lands, the land of Galilee. Most of the ministry of Jesus would occur in Galilee, his first disciples and the great explosion of his ministry would happen here!
V. 2 is a helpful reminder to us – we all walk in darkness; and what does darkness need? It needs a great light! This is who Jesus is and what he offers to us – to see reality for what it truly is – a great creation in need of redemption. We are corrupt and need to be saved – that light has come in the person of Jesus! The response, it says, is joy – and that should be our response too this Christmas – joy. Let it radiate through your home, in worship, and with your neighbors this Christmas!
Notice these names given to the child: not just Immanuel, but he will be a Wonderful Counselor, one who embodies wisdom itself, Mighty God – can’t get more direct than that! Everlasting Father: how can a child also be a Father? A Father cares for his people and protects them, like a king! And the Prince of Peace – that protector will also usher in the possibility for peace because of his own self-engaged battle against sin and death. What a roll call of names for Jesus!
Song to Sing: The Little Drummer Boy
This is a classic song with a fascinating premise: while others can bring fancy gifts to Jesus, what can a child bring? Whatever you do, in word or deed, do so for the glory of God! (Colossians 3:17) Play your best for Him – play your drum for Him!
Echoes of Eden: Getting together with family and friends! Celebrate this Christmas – and do so with others as well, inside the church and outside it. Christmas is one of those times where the world acknowledges glimpses of a redeemed world under the banner of Jesus – so be with them! Talk about the birth and what it means – laugh with them, give gifts, drink some egg nog – it’s a time for celebration!