Isaiah 9:2-7 A
Child Has Been Born
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. You have multiplied the
nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the
harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 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. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the
garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 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.
His authority shall grow continually, 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.
****
The setting for Isaiah is the prophet's
counsel to the kingdom of Judah against the threatening of the Assyrians.
Isaiah believes and warns the people to keep faith in God and that only this
trust in God, rather than political or military alliances at that time could
protect them from the advances of the Assyrians. This verse signals the promise
of a new king, one who will bring light, life, and hope to those suffering.
At Christmas, when the candles burn brightly
it is a witness to God's light that shines in all of the darkness in our world
and we are reminded that this is not just for that night but for many years to
come.
Prayer: Heavenly
Father, there can be overwhelming darkness in this world. Thank you for sending
Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Light of the world. Amen.
Joanne Icken is a member of Trinity Lutheran
Church, Brewster, NY
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