Preparing for his coming

Isaiah 9:1-7 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 Gentiles, by way of the sea, along the Jordan.

Verse 1 The land of Zebulen and Naphtali were places of great spiritual darkness, but they would see a great light. This light would be the Messiah (Jesus), he is the “spiritual light.” The Messiah (Jesus) would do most of his ministry in these areas. These areas were known as part of Galilee, which is in northern Israel.

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

In verse 2, it talks about the light shining on the people who dwell in the shadow of death: it is speaking in terms of the “light of the Messiah” who would come to earth to minister to these people. “The light of the Messiah”, is the glory of God’s presence and his salvation.

3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.

In verse 3, we need to remember that this verse is really talking about us. We are known as the community of God and because we have faith in God we are also part of God’s people, we are known as Israelites.

4 For as in the day of Midean’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of the oppressor.

Verse 4 When it talks about the yoke that burdens them will be broken or shattered. Here it is talking about Gideon’s defeat over the Midianites and how it broke their domination over Israel.

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.

Verse 5, it tells about how the coming Messiah, will bring peace to the people. There will be no more need for a military interaction. It also tells us that all things will become new. Meaning the way of life and how we live life.

Isaiah : is telling us about; what the coming of the Messiah will bring for all of us.

We will no longer walk in the dark, but that the son of God will be our light; especially in a dark world The nations will again see honor bestowed upon them from God We will no longer have to carry our own burdens and the rod of the oppressor otherwise known as our faults or iniquities. It tells us that the son of God will burden our troubles and our sins.

In having a personal relationship with the son of God, it will bring us complete and utter joy and bring us wealth. Not to be mistaken with financial wealth, but in terms of knowledge and faith in; and with the son of God.

6 For unto 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

Verse 6 The government will be on his shoulders. In Hebrew the word government means “the burden of authority.”

Isaiah : then tells us what we need to know when the son of God comes to earth We find out that the son of God will be the “burden of authority,” for all of mankind We also find out that the son of God will be born as a child

We find out that his dominion over us will only increase, that he will rule over us with righteousness and justice. He will be our Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God and our Everlasting Father

How do we prepare for the Christmas season?

We need to make sure that we do not get caught up in the commercialism of this holiday We need to make sure that we are right with God. Heart, Mind and Soul We need to remember to find things, even though they might be material things, or even a family event that reminds us about the birth of our Savior

We need to make sure that we keep a Christ like mentality, making sure we keep a heart for people. We need to, no matter what, remember that this season is not about us, but about the birth of our Savior