ISAIAH 9:2-7
2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
ISAIAH 9:2-7 A CHILD IS BORN
Springford Baptist Church: November 25, 2023.
The birth of a child is such a gift from God. This gift signals a new beginning and reminds each of us that God has given us the gift of life and countless opportunities to receive and to share His love.
In our family this past year, two of my nieces have had babies and there is a third new baby due any day now. There is preparation and anticipation when a baby is going to be born. We wonder who that tiny life will become and what the influence of their life will be.
I find at the Long Term Care Home where I’m Chaplain that babies always bring smiles to faces. Aches and pains are forgotten when a baby enters the room. Even those whose memories are fading brighten and respond warmly to a baby.
It is remarkable how seemingly quickly babies grow and react to what is around them. In a short space of time they can begin to make sounds that lead to speaking. They roll over, then crawl, then walk, then run.
If you are at a family gathering where there is a baby, you can guarantee that baby will be the center of attention.
As we approach again this Christmas season, Jesus, the child that is born is meant to be the center of attention.
The nativity sets that we have in our homes and the outdoor nativity displays that we see, have in common that Jesus, the child is at the center.
This Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah anticipates the birth of Jesus. When this child would be born, His life would change history forever.
This child is born “to us”. (vs. 6) How will we ensure that our preparations for Christmas keep Jesus, the One Who was born for us, at the center of everything?
Leading up to the announcement, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,” we have the impact of the birth of Jesus described:
2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darknessa light has dawned.
We were reminded last week that God can turn the darkness to light. This is emphasized here when we read in verse 2 that those walking in darkness and despair have seen a great light. The dawning of a light on those living in the land of deep darkness signals a change, a new beginning as with the birth of a baby.
God will lead people from spiritual darkness into light through the birth of this Child Jesus.
Their joy will be increased (verse 3). There is an increasing capacity for joy when people see possibility for change that will bring light in the darkness.
We then read in verse 4
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
There is an increasing capacity for joy when a heavy burden is lifted. Sometimes we do not realize how much we have been carrying until Jesus lifts that heaviness from our shoulders.
We long for the day when,” 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.” Jesus, the Child Who will be born is able to bring this about. Instruments of war will not be needed when Jesus the Messiah establishes His reign of peace.
Verses 6-7 of Isaiah 7 record noteworthy things about this child to be born, this coming Messiah:
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
“The government will be on his shoulders.” (verse 6b) The Messiah will wear the robe of a king on his shoulders. The same one who lifts the heavy burdens from our shoulders takes on the heavy responsibility of governing. As King, Jesus will be responsible to govern the nation. In Isaiah’s day, the nation’s leaders were incompetent in governing the people. We know something about incompetent political leaders don’t we?
The Messiah, by contrast, will govern as needed.
Jesus as Messiah will have descriptive names that will reveal His character:
“Wonderful” He will be exceptional!
How have you experienced Jesus as Wonderful?
“Counsellor” People will gladly listen to Jesus. He will have authority and people will be eager to hear the Messiah teach God’s ways.
How have you experienced Jesus as Counsellor?
“Mighty God” The Messiah will do what no other person has been able to do because He is God!
How have you experienced Jesus as “Mighty God”?
“Everlasting Father” Like God the Father, Jesus the Son will forever provide loving care.
How have you experienced Jesus as Everlasting Father?
“Prince of Peace” When we see all the world’s attempts at peace failing, we can know that Jesus the Messiah is the only one Who can rule with peace.
How have you experienced Jesus as “Prince of Peace”?
The Messiah, King Jesus, seated on David’s throne will have an eternal rule of peace and justice. His rule will be forever. This extends into the eternity to come when we will see Jesus seated on His throne in heaven.
How will all this be accomplished?
When a child is born, it will set in motion God’s eternal plans.
“By the zeal of the Lord Almighty”. The coming of this kingdom depends on God, not on Israel.
The Messiah will rule because God promised it and God will see that His kingdom comes and that His will is done on earth as in heaven.
There at the center of every nativity scene is the reminder that Jesus is the promised child that would be born to be our Saviour.
In all of our preparations for this Christmas, may we recognize in fresh ways the remarkable gift and life changing event of the Child Who was born for us!