Our hope – as we enter the Christmas season

• Our hope is not in our government

Our text

Isaiah 9:1–7 (NIV) — 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.

1st The setting/context for Isaiah

• When the promise of a Messiah was given the people were in a corrupt country – King Ahaz was ungodly –the greatness of Israel was decreasing quickly and those who were godly were in distress – this was a message to all the people – a warning of death to those perishing but a promise of hope for those who were despairing
• Worshipping false Gods made you one of the global community –not alone – like everyone else
• People didn’t want the responsibility of obeying Jehovah –in a world that built idols around their pleasures

2nd A light has dawned – via Galilee – it was lost to Israel at the time the prophecy is told 3rd You have enlarged the nation

Genesis 22:17–18 (NIV) — 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

4th His name reveals who this Son is
Genesis 1:1 (NIV) — 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:26 (NIV) — 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”