Light of the World
The Promise, Power, and Person of Christmas
Sermon Recap:
- Christians do not celebrate Christmas like the rest of the world does. We must elevate our celebration of Christmas because we understand the true meaning of Christmas.
- Darkness is the descriptive state of the world in which we live.
- Christmas is more than a holiday; it is the promise of hope amid darkness.
- Hope will not come from the earthly realm. Real hope must come from outside this broken world.
- God’s solution to a world in darkness comes in the form of a child born to us and given by God, whose name is Jesus.
Historical Context:
- Isaiah was written during a time of political instability and spiritual decline. The Northern Kingdom of Israel had fallen to the Assyrians, and Judah faced its own threats.
- Isaiah 9 speaks to people living in deep despair, promising a future deliverance and restoration.
Theological Context:
This prophecy is both immediate and
messianic:
Immediate: Assures Judah of God's
intervention in their present struggles.
Messianic: Foretells the coming of Jesus
Christ, whose reign fulfills God’s ultimate plan.
The imagery of light (v. 2) reflects the hope
of God's redemptive work throughout Scripture, culminating in Christ (John 1:5,
John 8:12).
Isaiah 9:1-7
1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future, He will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan — 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, You have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
6 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. 7 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.
Discussion Questions
Hope in Darkness: Isaiah 9:2 speaks of people
walking in darkness and seeing a great light. How does this imagery resonate
with the story of Christ's birth, and how can it encourage us during difficult
or dark times today?
Names of the Messiah: Isaiah 9:6 gives the
Messiah titles like "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God,"
"Everlasting Father," and "Prince of Peace." Which of these
names stands out to you the most during the Christmas season, and why?
Joy and Celebration: In Isaiah 9:3, the
increase of joy is likened to harvest celebrations. How does Christmas bring a
similar sense of joy, and how can we share that joy with others?
Peace and Justice: Verse 7 speaks of the
Messiah’s reign, bringing endless peace and justice. In what ways does
Christmas remind us of the peace Christ offers, and how can we reflect His
justice and righteousness in our lives?
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Isaiah 9:1-7 was
written long before Christ's birth, yet it points directly to Him. How does
this prophecy strengthen your faith in God's plan and the significance of
Jesus' birth at Christmas?
END
Teacher Notes:
The Father Comes Through...
Does anyone have a special Christmas they remember?
What is the message of Midian’s defeat?
Self-sufficiency is the enemy when it causes
us to believe we can always do what needs to be done in our own strength. God
reduced Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300 for this very reason. With an army
this small, there could be no doubt that the victory was from God. Like Gideon,
we must recognize the danger of fighting in our own strength. We can be
confident of victory only if we put our confidence in God and not ourselves.
Too often we take pride in our
accomplishments, forgetting that it is God who has given us our every resource
and ability. We may even become proud of our unique status as Christians. God
is not pleased with any pride or trust in ourselves because it cuts off our
contact with Him.
The Father Comes Through...
