The message of Christmas is the world can be a dark place, and the more you look for the solutions, the darker it can get. But whenever God wants to give hope in the darkness, He likes to talk about a baby – and does so all through the Old Testament but especially the OT book of Isaiah. If you think about it, babies give joy no matter how dark it is. There’s a phrase from “O Holy Night” that says “the weary world rejoices.” What about the phrase that comes before? "A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices….” When God wants to thrill with hope, He always talks about one baby in particular. Ray Ortlund says, “God’s answer to everything that has ever terrorized us is a child.” The Infinite infant who brings a message of unparalleled hope. Welcome to Stone's Hill and the Christmas season!
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 darknesshave seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darknessa light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nationand increased their joy;they rejoice before youas people rejoice at the harvest,as warriors rejoicewhen dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,you have shatteredthe yoke that burdens them,the bar across their shoulders,the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battleand every garment rolled in bloodwill 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 calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peacethere will be no end.He will reign on David’s throneand over his kingdom,establishing and upholding itwith justice and righteousnessfrom that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almightywill accomplish this.
