There is Hope in the Light.

Scripture Passage

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before You as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils. For You have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as You did on the day of Midian. For the trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the LORD of Host will accomplish this.”

-Isaiah 9:2-7

Message

This is probably the most recognized prophecy about the Messiah. Every preacher will, at some point this season, give a sermon on this passage. It will probably be about the many names that are given to Christ. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. All are exactly what Christ came to be. He is all of these things. He is also the “Great Light” mentioned at the beginning of the passage.

That is where we find our Hope. In the “Light of the World!” (John 8:12). Christ came when things seemed to be darkest. That is when He finds you and me as well. It is in the darkest times that we see the Light clearly. We just have to continue to believe in the Hope of Jesus.

Let this Advent season show you the Light of Christ. Let His light shine through you for others to see as well. The Hope that lives in you is to be shared with the rest of the world. That is why Jesus calls us “the light of the world” in Matthew 5:14. We are to show His light in the darkness of this world. Like a lighthouse on the shore, we are to be a beacon of Hope to the lost. Let His light shine!

Prayer

God,

Help us to shine for You. Give us the ability and opportunity to share Your message of Hope to those around us. Encourage us to be Your lighthouse on the hilltop. Let us show the world the power of Your Hope. We ask these things in the wonderful name of Jesus.

Amen.