The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine …
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!   Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (NLT)
There is something just beautiful and powerful about these words spoken by the prophet Isaiah.
Light will overcome the darkness. We walk in a world of darkness. There is evil in this world. Isaiah spoke God’s promise and Jesus reminded us again just before He died (John 16). No matter what I see with my physical eyes, God has already won the war between Him and evil. Satan’s time grows shorter every day. Maybe that is why he is becoming more and more overt, trying to get in some final licks.
A Gift. The Light, Jesus, was given to us. Just as a child receives a present on Christmas without having to pay for it or earn it, we are given the gift of Jesus’ redemption. This isn’t a weak gift but a gift that cannot be compared to anything or anyone else. It is the gift of eternal – forever and ever – life.
Names. Just in case I am unsure about the complexity and vastness of my gift, here are some of the characteristic names of my LORD. And as I read these four names I see again the Trinity that is my LORD. He is the Counselor, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. He is Mighty Father God. He is my Prince of the Peace that passes all my understanding.
The prophecy will happen. And Christ will come again. His Kingdom will forever rule. The evil will be destroyed by the King who has already won the war. It is this assurance that gives hope, peace, courage, and persistence for every day. Here in this passage Isaiah calls God the LORD of the His Armies. It is a prophecy of a child to be born but it also telling about the Mighty God who cannot be defeated but has, in fact, already defeated His enemies.
I am the Lord your God.
I am holding your hand, so don’t be afraid.
I am here to help you. Isaiah 41:13 (NCV)
Bethlehem Morning written by Morris Chapman and sung by Silvie Paladino
