Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
Day Five: The Light of Hope
“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. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and
forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” — Isaiah 9:2-7
forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” — Isaiah 9:2-7
Before reading today’s devotional, grab a flashlight and go to a room that can get fairly dark with the lights out. Turn off the lights in your room and get it as dark as possible. Then, carefully walk across the room, holding your flashlight and keeping it off. Once you reach the other side, walk back, but this time, turn your flashlight on to guide you.
What difference did you notice when trying to walk in the dark with a flashlight versus without one?
Now, keep your room dark and read today’s verses again using your flashlight. As you do, notice how crucial the light is to help you see in the darkness.
This passage of verses is an ancient prophecy by Isaiah written about the promised Messiah. This prophecy is of a great light shining in the darkness, fulfilling God’s promise to bring hope to those in darkness. Without Jesus, we live our lives in darkness, but His light can cut through any darkness and fill our lives with light.
Today, and as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ arrival into the world at Christmas, we can also celebrate this gift that Jesus gives us: the promise to be with us as our “Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
The Christmas hymn, “Handel’s Messiah: For Unto Us A Child Is Born,” puts these verses in Isaiah to song. Find this song wherever you listen to music. Then, listen to it today as a way to remember who Jesus is to us.
The Christmas hymn, “Handel’s Messiah: For Unto Us A Child Is Born,” puts these verses in Isaiah to song. Find this song wherever you listen to music. Then, listen to it today as a way to remember who Jesus is to us.
Questions:
1. How is Jesus described in this prophecy we read today?
2. Have you ever experienced Jesus in the ways Isaiah described?