Redemption is Promised

DAILY READING

Isaiah 9:6-7

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

You Light Up Our World

by Judy Webb

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 9:6 (NIV) “ 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. Now, just as then, this message is ignored by many. Today as it was hundreds of years ago, this message is our salvation, comfort, and peace. As Christians stuck in the midst of evil, coming out of a time of isolation and destruction, we can embrace these words from Isiah of the coming of a Redeemer. During difficult seasons this may be the only thing we can cling to, and it is the only thing we need.

If you are experiencing a dark time – Jesus is your light. It is all good when Jesus is at the center.

PRAYER PRACTICE

Father God, You are the Light and the Love we all desperately need. Fill the paths in front of each of us with the ability to see all we need to see in order to navigate this new time in our lives. You are always our answer. Give us Spiritual Eyes to see past the darkness of our world. Amen.

Prediction of Jesus' Birth

PRAYER PRACTICE

Lectio – Read today’s passage through once. Then spend some time praying and asking God to show you what you need to pay attention to in the text. Read it again. Now ask God to help you see what this text, and the part that has stood out, may mean for you. Don’t expect to get a clear word every time but always be ready to really hear from God through His Word.

DAILY READING

Isaiah 9:6-7

REFLECTION

Unwrap the Gift

by Nancy Gleeson

We can rest confident that God manages the world well. In this prophecy about a future child who will bear the government on his shoulders, God predicts the coming of Christ. He will be sovereign over the affairs of man, possessing attributes appropriate for the power and work needed to uphold justice and righteousness.

He will be called Wonderful Counselor, transcending human understanding, adored with wonder, and possessing the wisdom of God. He will have the qualifications to guide and direct the human race from God’s perspective.

He will be called Mighty God for in Him will dwell all the fullness of the Deity in bodily form.

He will be called Everlasting Father, not to be confused with the Father, although the Father and He are One. He will be the man abiding forever, never leaving his people, but ruling over them and blessing them forever.

He will be called Prince of Peace because peace will characterize his reign upon earth.

This scripture is the very message that brings such a heartfelt response to the meaning of Christmas. What a gift we have been given when God gave His only Son to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world.

The Lord Jesus Christ is that Child that was Born and He is that Son that was Given. His name shall be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father - Prince of Peace.