A Child is Born to Us

 

Isaiah 9:2-7 (ESV)

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.
⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

 

For many years our family have been reading this passage as we enter into Advent.  It is a good place to start.  It establishes that the world is in darkness.  The darkness comes from our own sin.  We each contribute.  But God does not leave us in hopeless darkness. Oh, no!  He shines His light on us, even in the most deeply dark places.  Into places where light has never come.  Into hearts over run by sin and despair God shines a bright light, bringing hope.  Not only does it bring hope, but it brings joy!  Why is there hope and joy?  Well, sin is defeated.  How does this happen?  Jesus appears on the scene and everything changes.  A child is born and the world is forever changed.  Nothing can be the same, for this Child takes it all on His shoulders, and becomes our all in all.  He becomes our Emmanuel! Hallelujah!