v. 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
v. 6-7 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.
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 wrote these words 700 years before Jesus would arrive on the scene during a strikingly dark period of time for God’s people. It was a time marked by widespread sin, disobedience, and oppression. But in the midst of their despair came the voice of Isaiah proclaiming hope… a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people…a messiah to come! Isaiah’s name literally means “Yahweh is salvation” – a point that would not have been lost on his audience. It also added depth and weight to his words and helps explain why Isaiah’s prophecy would become words of hope to which the Israelites would desperately cling.
The period of time from Thanksgiving to Christmas is historically referred to in the church as Advent. The term advent in latin means arrival or coming. As followers of Christ we are people living between two advents… Jesus’ arrival as a baby and his future return. Both of which are beautifully conveyed in Isaiah’s words.
As we begin this Advent Season, let’s take some time to intentionally slow ourselves down and remember that the words Isaiah spoke all those years ago offered more than just hope to the Israelites. They are still proclaiming hope for us today!
God, as we step into this Advent Season we ask that You would quiet our hearts and our minds so that we might be able to truly understand the fullness of Your love. We thank You for Your faithfulness that was wrapped up and given to us through Jesus and we wait in hope and joyful anticipation for His return. Amen.
