A Messiah is coming

6 January

Scripture Reading

Read Isaiah 9:1-7 and reflect on the passage.

Davey couldn’t believe his eyes. There in the midst of the ripped wrapping paper, torn ribbons, and crumpled bows was the gift he had not dared to hope for. It was the present that all the boys wanted, but he never thought his parents could afford it—an electric race car track. He was stunned and speechless. Finally, he looked up at his parents, who likewise were caught up in the moment, with joy. Davey flung himself into their loving arms.

Isaiah, the prophet, announced to God’s people that the Lord was intent upon giving them something that they dared not hope for—that God would give them a Messiah, who would not only be a just and fair ruler but who would actually be God Himself— Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This is the gift that exceeds all our imaginations—something beyond what we could hope for.

The joy and wonder of Christmas is that we have a God who delights to give to His children. He loves to amaze us with His generosity. He relishes the moment when He catches us by surprise. His heart overflows with joy as we run into His arms.

Questions

1.      What is the moment in your Christmas memories when you were caught by surprise the most?

2.      What is it about God’s love for you that you know is far more than you deserve or could expect?

  

Prayer

Father, I give You thanks that You are who You are—One who delights in surprising us with gifts. Warm my heart with gratitude to run into Your arms with joy. Amen.

—David Mann 

Light of the World

Over the past few years, I have been struck by the many times I have read in various devotionals or studies, the value of struggles.  Lessons are taught about how rich our faith life becomes after experiencing pain and sorrow.

We are told to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you experience trials of many kinds" (James 1:2)  I can open my journal and easily find notes about times of testing.  One entry read, "Real maturity is never the result of a single experience."

"Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan —"(Isaiah 9:1)

I love the book of Isaiah and am almost always assured of great words of wisdom when I dive into a chapter and this one is no exception.  When we are in the midst of a cloud, when life is overwhelming us and we can't seem to catch our breath, Isaiah is telling us the Lord may not spare us from troubles, but if we follow Him wholeheartedly, He will see us through them.

Personally, I know this to be true.  I feel my faith is stronger now, more real, not just something I feel, but something I live.  Having witnessed some of the miracles in the season of my husband's illness and death, I know that Jesus is real and that He is love.  The Lord did not spare me that pain, but He did see me through those dark days and even blessed me with memories I will hold forever.

Isaiah 9:1-7

Hope is Born

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— (Isaiah 9:1)

While in the midst of trouble; when life throws us one blow after another; it is difficult to stay positive. How do we hold our chin up and move forward when we fear experiencing yet another setback? There are seasons when we just don't know what to do next; or if we should even try.

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2)

Then, something happens to turn things around.  Our situation improves. We land the job of our dreams; the one we have been working toward for years.  Our health improves or our wounded marriage begins to heal and life takes a positive turn. We are back on track. What changed? For this writer, Jesus is what happened.

The shepherds living in the country, taking care of their flock that memorable night so many years ago, asked the same question. They were going about their business, caring for the flock. Perhaps they were finally able to get some sleep after chasing down one or two wayward animals. All were accounted for and rest was on the horizon. Suddenly, something lit up the sky like never before.

In the middle of the night, light presented itself. It is wondrous how the King of Kings chose to make His birth announcement to those who were considered the lowest of the low. But, that is how it was and that is how it is still. Jesus longs to minister to those of us who are troubled. He wants to show His people who are in pain that He is the cure for what ails us. 

When darkness overtakes us, the Light of the World shines on the path we are to follow. 

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Isaiah 9:1-7

Isaiah 9:1-7--The Virgin's son

There is something so peaceful and comforting in these words of Isaiah.  I love this book and have been drawn to it during those seasons of life where peace was not prevalent and the need for comfort was at a premium.

Isaiah 9:2,6 (NIV) “² The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned… ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

There is a note in the margin of my Bible which I wrote at some time calling verse 6 a birth announcement.  During a time when Isaiah was warning the people of the need to straighten up their lives or there would be consequences, we read about a baby, a very special baby—one whose light will shine over a darkened world.  Isaiah was heralding a message of greatest hope. 

This message is as important today as it was hundreds of years ago.  This message is still ignored by many today as it was hundreds of years ago; but that doesn’t change fact of its significance. We embrace this season of Christmas for so many reasons.  It is a time of family togetherness, a time to reflect on the reason Jesus came to us as a baby.

If you are experiencing a dark time – Jesus is your light.  We can all get caught up in the wonder of the birth of a Savior and we can express our joy by loving one another and sharing that love in the form of gifts and family gatherings.  It is all good when Jesus is at the center.

Read Isaiah 9:1-7 here

Listen to Isaiah 9:1-7 here

Isaiah 9:1-7

Over the past year or so I have been struck by the many times I have read in various devotionals or studies, of the value of struggles.  Lessons are taught about how rich our faith life becomes after experiencing pain and sorrow.  We are told to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you experience trials of many kinds" (James 1:2)  I can open my journal and easily find notes about time of testing.  One entry read, "Real maturity is never the result of a single experience."

"Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan —"(Isaiah 9:1)

I love the book of Isaiah and am almost always assured of great words of wisdom when I dive into a chapter and this one is no exception.  When we are in the midst of a cloud, when life is overwhelming us and we can't seem to catch our breath, Isaiah is telling us the Lord may not spare us from troubles, but if we follow Him wholeheartedly, He will see us through them.

Personally, I know this to be true.  I feel my faith is stronger now, more real, not just something I feel, but something I live.  Having witnessed some of the miracles in the season of my husband's illness and death, I know that Jesus is real and that He is love.  The Lord did not spare me that pain, but He did see me through those dark days and even blessed me with memories I will hold forever.

Read the Isaiah 9:1-7 text here.  Listen to an audio version of the Isaiah 9:1-7 text here.