The first few verses of Isaiah 9 are often quoted around Christmastime as a celebration of the coming of Jesus. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” In the time of Isaiah, the people of Israel had strayed from God to the point where they were even consulting mediums and spiritists instead of Him (Isaiah 8:19). This led them down a path of hopelessness and gloom. The people God had chosen to bear his light to all nations had become a land of deep darkness.
It’s fair to say that today’s world is just as dark as it was two thousand years ago. There seems to be a new shocking news story or tragedy every time you check the news. In the face of such troubled times, there is a growing sense of fear and hopelessness. People put their trust in everything but God – their own efforts, their money, their political ideology, their sports team – and fall into anger or despair when these things inevitably fail them.
Isaiah’s message for these people is that a light has dawned on them! Later in the chapter he explains that “to us a child is born… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus fulfilled these words in Matthew 4 when he came, preaching the kingdom of God, calling people to follow him and healing the sick. He brings a way of light, life and hope for the future that we, and the whole world, desperately need. Praise the Lord!
James.