December 23

Isaiah 9:2-7

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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 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.
7 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.

              “Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.”

This year especially we can empathize with the people of Isaiah’s day. It feels as though we have been walking in darkness, captives mourning in lowly exile. Some have labored under the yoke of burdens. Others have suffered the rod of oppressors. We yearn for a government upon righteous shoulders with peace and justice.

Into our darkness comes a great light. Hear the mighty words again.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government will be upon his shoulder
and his name will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.

Lord of hosts, even when we feel lost in darkness, we remember that you
send us light and increase our joy. Thank you for the gift of light, a child, your son,
our Prince of Peace.

Chris Norton