December 20, Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
By Don Wideman, Former MBC Executive Director
An old adage states, "It is always darkest just before dawn." Israel was going through dark days because of continued disobedience of God's laws and disregard for the covenant He had made with His people. In the midst of the sorrow and fear that came with difficulties and facing exile, Isaiah prophesied that God was going to send a deliverer who would embody the virtues that Israel's leaders did not.
God promised in Isaiah 9 that "the people that walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them" (Isaiah 9:2).
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; and the government will be upon His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this" (Isaiah 9:6-7).
In similar times God sent Jesus, the baby who would fulfill all the promises of Isaiah's prophecy. Joy to the world, the Lord has come! And He will come again!
Things were dark in our family when we learned that my dad had terminal cancer. God gave us hope and joy when he gave us our daughter who was born just two weeks before Dad died. Someone has said that when a baby is born, it is a sign that God has not given up on us yet. That is the message of Christmas!
