The word advent means “coming.” In Advent we remember two things: the first coming of Jesus (Christmas) and His second coming. Today’s scripture deals with both events. Of course, in the world Advent is limited only to Christmas.
ISAIAH 9:1–6
„But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:1-6 ESV
Introduction
We are waiting for Christmas. We celebrate it with different traditions: Christmas tree, gifts, prayer, falling snow, candles… During Christmas time the world slows down a little, and a special atmosphere covers the earth. Many call this the “spirit” of Christmas. As children, we also understood it as the “holiday of love.” Even the Nazis gave the prisoners a day off. Our calendar begins from this period. Today’s scripture shows us the true meaning of Christmas.
This prophecy was given to the people of Israel. The previous chapter ends like this: But there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress.
„But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.” Isaiah 9:1 ESV
These were the two northern tribes that the Assyrians conquered first. When Isaiah spoke today’s verses, these tribes were already in captivity. Life was not easy in Assyrian bondage.
WALKING IN THE WORLD WE OFTEN LOSE OUR WAY, BUT JESUS IS THE LIGHT WHO SHOWS THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
Darkness: Hopelessness and emotional darkness because of captivity, and also spiritual darkness.
- Scattering and mixing:The Assyrians often resettled thousands of people at once among foreign nations and brought strangers into their land, so that the conquered people would lose their national and religious identity. Many lost their original language and adopted foreign religious customs. God’s people, Israel, drifted away from the Lord and became absorbed into the culture of the time. Spiritual darkness.
- Forced labor:They could not freely decide what to do with their lives, because the Assyrian Empire used “workforce relocation.” People were taken wherever the empire needed them. Lack of freedom (oppression).
- Poverty:Many lived in harsh conditions and most Israelites were poor; they had no real rights and functioned merely as labor. The authorities exploited and despised them; they were the lowest in society.
- Because of so much suffering they were not happy; they were discouraged, and many likely thought, “God has abandoned us.”
- Into these historical circumstances God spoke through Isaiah by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, promising that He would one day deliver His people, restore Israel, multiply them, and give them great joy. There is hope.
THE TIME OF DARKNESS IS NOT FOREVER; GOD’S LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE EVERY SITUATION.
Prophetic past tense is important. In the original language the promises appear in perfect tense, expressing completion. God’s promises are written as if they have already happened. Why? Because when God declares something will be so, it will happen.No power can prevent it. This is a great encouragement for us. If your faith is weak, open your Bible, find God’s promises, and stand on them in faith. You will never be disappointed because the Lord ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES. The Jews believed this so strongly that every Jewish woman hoped her child would be the Messiah, the key to Israel’s future. In childbirth they had this comforting thought: “Perhaps my child will fulfill God’s promises for our nation. Perhaps my son will be the Messiah.” And Israel WAITED FOR THE MESSIAH — longed for Him deeply, for a long time.
And when the time came and God decided, the prophecy was fulfilled and the long-awaited child was born, whose name is: JESUS.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS
- A son is given — a gift from God we did not deserve. The extravagant God poured out all His riches on us. (John 3:16)
- Truly human. (Details follow about what it means that He was a real human.)
- Truly God. Government, Mighty God, Everlasting Father (this does not refer to the person of the Father, but simply to God Himself as one who relates to Israel like a father and is eternal). Truly God. The Son of God = God. (A cat’s offspring is a cat…)
- In theological terms: Incarnation — God in the flesh. God appeared in human form without losing His divine nature. Not to be confused with reincarnation.
BEFORE JESUS
The story of Zebulun and Naphtali in some ways resembles our own. When we were born, we were born into a foreign land. What is life like in a foreign land? There are beautiful things because God loves everyone (general grace), but there are many hardships because we live in a fallen world. This is not heaven.
Today’s news also shows much darkness. True joy is rare in life. And we must also speak about captivity: false joys such as partying, money, alcohol, or other pleasures do not bring lasting happiness. In reality a person is not truly free, for they live in the bondage of sin. Today we don’t like to talk about this, but without it there is no good news, no gospel.
Constant conflict: physical wars, but also conflict in family, friends, relationships, workplaces, school — all human relationships. Inner wars (we cannot truly find rest), and human hearts war against God as well.
AFTER MEETING JESUS
From darkness to light.
„Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” John 8:12 ESV
When someone repents and is born again, God lights a lamp in their mind and heart. Without light it is impossible to understand the Bible — it is only empty words until God illuminates it. This light cannot be compared to anything. When a person who has lived long without God first encounters Him, it is wonderful. He brought light to humanity living in darkness. Even after conversion the light continues, for the Christmas child is the Wonderful Counselor.The problem with worldly counsel (“follow your heart,” “everyone lies,” “you can only succeed if you step on others”) is that it is not true and leads people toward destruction. Jesus as Wonderful Counselor leads us toward eternal life. He wants to lead you too, which direction will you go?
PEACE
The child to be born is the Prince of Peace. The prince rules; Jesus’ peace overcomes worldly troubles and problems.
„Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 ESV
„I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” John 16:33 ESV
CHRISTMAS IS NOT JUST A HOLIDAY, BUT GOD’S GIFT: JESUS BRINGS ETERNAL LIFE.
JOY
Jesus did not only bring joy — He multiplies it.
„In your presence there is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11 ESV
„For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 ESV
Spurgeon said: sour-faced Christians are not good advertisements for the Kingdom of God. God gives many reasons for joy to the Christian, but the greatest source of joy is our relationship with Him. God is HAPPY, and His joy flows into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Paul and Silas sang praises to the Lord in prison. I don’t believe they did it with sad faces — the Bible doesn’t say it, but I imagine they rejoiced.
PEACE, JOY, AND FREEDOM DO NOT COME FROM THE WORLD — THEY ARE FOUND UNDER THE RULE OF JESUS.
FREEDOM
When a person is born again, they are freed from the slavery of Satan and sin. There is a CHANGE OF RULERSHIP: instead of being under Satan’s rule, we come under the rule of Jesus Christ. And the difference between these two rulers is immense. One comes to steal, kill, and destroy; the other comes so that we may have life, and have it abundantly. One leads into slavery; the other sets us free. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36 This does not mean a person becomes sinless overnight, but that they are freed from the bondage of sin. The chains break, and now—with God’s power—we can resist sin and do what is good. We are no longer obligated to sin.We may still stumble sometimes, but less and less, as specific sins begin to disappear from our lives. A cleansing process begins, which theology calls SANCTIFICATION. As sin slowly loses its hold, the character of Christ begins to appear in the believer’s nature, and the fruit of the Spirit begins to grow: love, joy…
THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS
When Jesus returns, He will put an end to all rebellion and reign perfectly over the whole world (the Millennial Kingdom). Every knee will bow before Him, and there will be no more resistance. Jesus came the first time with grace; the second time He comes with judgment — but His judgment will be COMPLETELY JUST, because He knows everything about us.
He is a very different ruler from Satan. Jesus’ rule is built on truth and righteousness, while Satan’s is built on lies and lawlessness. Jesus will bring perfect peace and joy; there will be no more war or oppression. The prophecy will be fulfilled not only spiritually, but literally and physically.
Finally comes the last judgment and the new creation, when God makes everything completely new.
All this is done by God’s jealous, protective love — like a father for his children, a groom for his bride, a husband for his wife, a person for their best friend, a Creator for His beloved creation.
CONCLUSION
Advent — we are waiting for Christmas. GOD’S CHRISTMAS GIFT to us is His only begotten Son, Jesus (John 3:16). He gave us the greatest gift: His Son, and with Him, eternal life.
„Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:12 ESV
We have spoken about the two comings of Jesus, but in reality, there is a third: When Jesus comes into my heart, into my life. Has Jesus already come into your heart? Have you received Him? Have you experienced the joy and peace that come from a relationship with Him? A student at the theology school would sometimes ask others: How are you doing with your conversion? He doesn’t yet have Jesus in his life, but they are drawing closer. Maybe you are the same — let this Advent be the time of drawing near, and Christmas the moment of finally finding each other. I received Jesus into my heart at Christmas in 1993.
Maybe you have already received Jesus and turned to Him, but you are currently going through trials — like a people living in captivity. Today’s message encourages you: THERE IS HOPE. Sometimes waiting is very hard, but trust God and wait patiently for deliverance. God may not bring it the way you expect, but when the time comes, He will surely free you from the trial and restore your life.
„Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” Colossians 3:12 ESV