We see what God did for the world and the human race. A kingdom is set and the forces of darkness can’t stop it. They still try to remove the meaning of Christmas. Even in doing so they want to promote it to make a profit. What would Christmas be without Christ?
Here in Isaiah we see the prophecy of the coming Messiah. In Isaiah 7 he said the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. In these chapters we see the condition of man without a Savior.
Isaiah 9: 2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
No human has ever achieved these titles. We can’t say the world can’t go on without the mighty men this world has known because they’ve died and the world does go on. However, we can’t do it without Jesus. We wouldn’t even be a world without him. God chose to send his Son as our Savior. Aren’t you thankful he didn’t give us what we deserve!
God says what he means and means what he says. The world was in darkness much like it is now. Sin and wickedness are at a peak. It’s just about a sin to turn on the television these days. Even children are used to promote wickedness. Baal’s followers sacrificed children as part of their rituals. Think about the number of abortions these days. Just what little we know is heartbreaking. Right in the middle of it, a Son was given, a child was born. God became a child, the everlasting Son in all his deity.
Chapter 8 says they were driven to darkness, like the blind falling off a cliff into the pit. The light still shines. The angelic news is still about the Savior. We’ve seen what happens when the wicked try to produce hope and change. People believe the lies. The world tries to push against the virgin birth. No matter what is believed, we have a Savior. God will give us direction in the dark just like he did the wise men with the star. Even the brightest of days weather-wise is still dark with sin. It can be discouraging. The only hope we’ve ever had is in Jesus. The light still shines. The shepherds were afraid but the angels told them not to be because he that was born would take away sin and darkness.
We can’t change ourselves. God can change us where it needs to happen—in the heart. I can’t change myself within. All I can do is turn to the Lord, the son given. He’s our change, our hope. God’s Son was given. The only deity that has ever been or will be became a man child. Gabriel said he would save his people from their sins. Isaiah tells us not to give up. God provides a way out.
We don’t know how much longer we’ll live. We may be in the valley of the shadow of death and not know it. The number of days will run out one day. Even in that valley the light shines. We don’t have to walk in darkness for unto us a child is born. God’s only begotten Son came through that darkness and brought life. Verse 5 says he came as a warrior to take on the devil and verse 4 tells us he’s the burden bearer. When we couldn’t bear our burdens Jesus came to break their yoke.
Times are confused. There’s so much noise and chaos. There is a lot of talk going on but little is being said. The only One we need to listen to is Jesus. He’s the meaning of Christmas, Easter, and every day we live. We have purpose. Life has meaning. Don’t worry about 2017. Jesus is still the Governor and King. Stay focused on the King. Let Washington do whatever but let’s trust God to order and establish his kingdom. We don’t have to advise God how to do it. Trust in his power. Trust his divinity. He saved us and can deliver us each day. Let’s walk through even in the darkness. Keep walking. The Lord will give us power to go through it. We’ll make it with the Lord.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 