0. The Lord will come (Isaiah 8:16-17)

Bind up this testimony of warning and seal up God’s instruction among my disciples. I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him.

1. The Lord has come (Isaiah 9:6)

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.

2. Let’s wait for the Lord

a. Finding a light in darkness (Isaiah9:1b-2, John 8:12)

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―The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

b. Seeking peace in conflicts (Isaiah9:3-5)

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. 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. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

c. Trusting the zeal of the Lord (Isaiah9:7)

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.

Summary

There seems no end to darkness and conflicts both in our individual lives and in the world situation. We may even lose hope in God and say, “there is no God.” However, it is the irreversible fact that God came to this world as a man named Jesus in Christmas 2000 years go. This is the evidence of our hope. Let’s trust Jesus, so that we can find a light in darkness and keep seeking peace in the midst of conflicts.

For Discussion

1. Why is Jesus the evidence of our hope?
2. What is similar or different between Isaiah and us?