December 13, 2022

Isaiah 9:1-7  (HCSB)
Birth of the Prince of Peace
9 Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future He will bring honor to the Way of the Sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations. 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before You as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils. 4 For You have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as You did on the day of Midian. 5 For the trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.

Andrea Campo
Judah was overthrown, they had allied with people they thought would help them only to end up humiliated. But in the midst of utter darkness for the Jewish people God delivers a promise. God, through Isaiah, is driving at something glorious. God is doing something for His people that is more glorious than they can imagine. Sometimes, darkness can flood in so fast we find ourselves asking, “How did I get here?” For me, some of the greatest blessings have occurred on the heels of the difficult times. I’m guessing it’s the same with some of the folks reading this today. Here, in the midst of the greatest darkness is going to come the most glorious of joys. God doesn’t stop with just bringing joy into a bad situation. He begins declaring in as many ways as possible that this bright joy that is soon coming will be great, glorious, and eternal.