As persons in distress, they looked for help from those around them. They looked upwards, downwards, backwards, forwards, on the right hand, and on the left. Isaiah described it in this way - "And they shall look unto the earth." But all they found was despair.
In Isaiah 9:2, he went on to describe these people in this way - "The people that walked in darkness" and "they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death." They lived in thick "darkness" - walking amidst ignorance, misery, and calamity.
However, something amazing then happened. A great and shining "Light" came to "the people that walked in darkness." This "Light" shined upon those who "dwelt in the land of the shadow of death" - bringing them knowledge, joy, rejoicing, relief, and deliverance.
Who was this "Light" Who rescued these people from the thick "darkness" and gloom over their nation? Who was this Mighty Savior and Deliverer? Who was this One Who could do what no other could ever do?
Isaiah described Him in verse 6 in this way - "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
This was none other than Jesus - God's great gift of love and answer for man's dilemma.
Since a gift tells you something about the gift-giver, what does this say about God?
Into their "darkness," Jesus stepped in as "Wonderful Counselor" - the One Who was able to give wondrous counsel and unfailing wisdom - for He is the "Wisdom of God." He stepped in as the Only One able to solve their confusion and enable them to find their way out of the mazes of their own wanderings.
Into their "darkness," Jesus stepped in as "The mighty God" - the "warrior God" - the One able to take on the forces of sin and Satan that were responsible for the "darkness" in the first place. He stepped in as One Who was able to do great things - mighty acts - for a weak and helpless people who couldn't fend for themselves.
Into their "darkness," Jesus stepped in as "The everlasting Father" to a people who were as "little children" - needing love, care, goodness, compassion, provision, protection, guidance, support, and encouragement. To this seeming "fatherless" generation, He became a "Father" to them - always being there for them...never too busy...or never preoccupied or disinterested in their affairs.
And, lastly, into their "darkness," Jesus stepped in as "The Prince of Peace" - the supreme giver of peace - Who alone was able to bring their strife, conflicts, and wars to an end. These people were constantly under threat from enemy nations and from the ungodliness of their own leader. This "Sar-Shalom" - "Prince of Peace" - came to them - providing them with universal peace - peace between God and them...peace between them and their fellow man...and peace within their own hearts and souls.
The "Good News" is that this "Light" - Jesus - is still stepping into the "darkness." He is still coming to the rescue of those who are facing "trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish." He is still hearing the desperate cries of those who are "walking in darkness" ... "dwelling in the land of the shadow of death" ...and bringing them relief in His "Light."
That is why He came. That is why we celebrate Christmas.
Jesus came to save you...rescue you...and deliver you from the "darkness."
But not only that, He came to bring you "Light" - to change and transform your life and situation in life.
Christmas brings a message of - "hope and change."
Are you "walking in darkness"? Do you feel as though you are "dwelling in the land of the shadow of death"?
Have you "looked unto the earth" - to those around you - for help and found no answers nor relief?
Allow Jesus to come into your "darkness" this Christmas! Invite Him to come in!
He will be your "Wonderful Counselor" - giving you the guidance, wisdom, and instruction that you so desperately need.
He will be your "mighty God" - working miracles on your behalf - making the impossible possible.
He will be your "everlasting Father" - giving you identity, purpose, and the security that this world could never offer.
And, lastly, He will be your "Prince of Peace" - causing all strife to cease - whether it be between you and God...you and your fellow man...or found in your own heart.
May the Lord Jesus shine His "Light" into your "darkness" this Christmas - making this the most memorable one of all!
Merry Christmas!
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved