Unwrapping Advent: Through Voices of Wisdom Dec. 10
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Day 10
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied exultation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden and the bar
across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us; a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders,
and he is named Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Great will be his authority, and there shall be
endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:2-7, CEB
Prince of Peace
The prophet Isaiah wrote these thrilling prophetic verses concerning the Messiah some 2,700 years ago. He announced the birth of Jesus Christ and important characteristics of his life. Isaiah spoke in a prophetic manner, as if the events had already happened.
Isaiah 9:1-2
…those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.
Isaiah promised the people of Judah that territory lost to the Assyrian empire in 722 B.C. would be returned. About seven hundred years later, the young Jesus Christ would grow up in this area and visit often as an adult.
Jesus referred to himself as the “light of the world” (John 8:12). John, the apostle, referred to Jesus as the “light” (John 1:9). Because Jesus Christ is our example and true “light” who shines on and in us, we hang bright lights to celebrate Christmas.
Isaiah 9:3-5
For the yoke of their burden and
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor, you have broken….
The war with God is over. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, our sins will be forgiven. Peace now reigns in our life, and we now have divine help dealing with the earthly consequences of our sin.
Isaiah 9:6
he is named Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah announced that God’s Son would come to earth as a human child and speak with authority. His character would reflect that of a wise counselor and loving father, who offered peace, restoring every broken relationship, and bringing quiet to minds and souls in upheaval.
I can testify to one life-changing situation in which words can hardly describe how the Prince of Peace restored calm for me after I prayerfully asked for his help.
As a young and divorced father, a situation developed beyond my control, and my spirit was crushed. Although I had a wonderful support group of friends and family, satisfactory answers could not be found. When I prayed to God and surrendered my burden to Him, immediately a peaceful feeling came over me. I felt divine assurance that my problem would be solved. Eventually, the situation did resolve, but on God’s terms and time, and in a manner that still amazes me after many years.
Isaiah 9:7
…there shall be endless peace.
Jesus Christ came into this world to save those who ask for forgiveness and peace. When Christ returns, he will come back to judge both the living and dead, punish the unrepentant, and take those who repent of their sins to their eternal reward in heaven. And Messiah’s reign will establish endless peace, justice, and righteousness forever.
Reflect: As a “follower,” how are you going to celebrate the peace and joy in your life made possible by Jesus Christ?
Pray: Thank you, Jesus Christ, for your mercy, grace, and peace. Lord, you know my name and welcome my prayers, for any reason, from any place or time. Thank you for listening to me, shining the light of your love on me, and guiding me each day of my life. Amen.
Larry Baker
Faithbuilders Small Group
Retirees Small Group