December 25 Our Promised Hope Isaiah 9:2-7
**MERRY CHRISTMAS! May God Richly Bless You, Today & Always! With His Love, Pastor Glen**
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Good Christmas morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Pastor of Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC! Isaiah 9:2-7: “The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian.
5 For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)
Today is Christmas Day, the Special Day when Christians, around the world, celebrate the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Isaiah tells us why the birth of Jesus is such great news for the world. This good and enlightening news comes to people who were “walking in darkness.” But now, through Jesus, those same people “have seen a great light.” In the prophecy of Isaiah, darkness and light are used to represent sin and salvation. Without Christ, we are lost in the darkness of sin. But because of the birth of Jesus, we have hope in God’s light, his victory over sin and death. God promises us salvation in Jesus. In our world and in our lives, it can often feel as though the darkness is overwhelming. It can seem as though sadness and sin have overpowered the common sense of so many, while the light of goodness, morality and joy are hidden in shadows. There is HOPE! Our God’s Word promises us that light is coming to the world, in the person of Jesus Christ. Isaiah, the prophet, promises a Savior who will rule the world. “He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” His reign will bring peace and joy to the world. “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” Jesus rules the whole world, and his rule is one of peace (Compare this message of Love and Hope to the hatred that is being promoted in every segment of our world – Jesus has come to promote Love and Peace). This news is light for a darkened world, and it is the Hope for Tomorrow. I look forward to celebrating my Lord today and forever! I am anticipating the excitement of being in the brightness of His Glorious Light, and I am excited about His Hope for the Future! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused …THE BEST IS YET TO BE!