1. WHERE IS JESUS?
IS HE HIDDEN FROM VIEW?

2. Context of Isaiah Chapter 9 verses 1 - 9
The Assyrian Crisis
crushed the Northern Kingdom
over-ran Judea and threatened Jerusalem. (Southern Kingdom)
Isaiah’s call to King Ahaz (King of Judea)
‘If you do not stand in faith, you will not stand at all’ (Chapter 7 verse 9)
God does not give up on his people.

3. There is Hope.
The tribes that were first over-run will be the first to see the light. (verse 1)
Light will shine in the darkness. (verse 2)
From slavery to justice. (verses 4 and 5)
God does not give up on His people.

4. Time for Celebration. A child has been born for us. (verse 6)
A son has been given to us (verse 6)
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (verse 6)
His kingdom will be established and last for ever. (verse 7)
God does not give up on His people

5. Is He Hidden From View?
‘I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love where feeling is not. I believe in God even if He is silent.’
Do we believe in God when we find it immensely difficult to hold onto faith?
God does not give up on His people.

6. What about you and me? Do you feel that Jesus is hidden from view?
During this busy time of Christmas, stop, pause, pray and look for Jesus.
God has not given up on you and me.

7. Footprints In The Sand
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.

8. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
‘Lord you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me’

9. The Lord replied
‘My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then I carried you.’