Article for Christmas Eve December 24, 2024
Isaiah 9:7 7Of 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.
This is what the people of Israel looked for when ever they thought of their Savior to come. A king and one who looked after His people that He was to lead into prosperity. One who knows true justice and how to disperse it. A king of righteousness who also spreads righteousness. This is the kingdom to come; this is the kingdom that should be forevermore.
And this King will rule with zeal for the people spreading joy throughout the kingdom we all hope to live in. A true kingdom of peace and harmony, a kingdom for all to aspire to live in. This is the kingdom of God, this is the kingdom of righteousness, this is the Holy Kingdom of God.
Isaiah 9:2–3 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. 3You 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.
The darkness has ruled over the earth from the time of Adam and Eve’s fall to sin to the time of Noah. And darkness grew again from the time of Noah’s sons until Moses, and from Moses to Jesus Christ with glimpses of light showing that the light could not be snuffed out. Sin has been with us and sin itself thinks it cannot be snuffed out. The darkness we are trapped in is not the lack of sunlight but the overbearing presence of our sinful nature, and yes, our sinful nature will succumb to the light of righteousness.
But those who walk in the imprisoning darkness have seen the great light and the great light overtakes the darkness of our sinful nature. As its light is powered through holy righteousness. And all who follow this light increases its light to all the nations of this earth. And as the nations rise to the light, the joy of the one who brings this light increases.
One would think that sharing and dividing the spoil of this great joy would give just a little to each one as there are many to share with. But this is the light, and it gives its light not only equally, but in abundance. This is an everlasting light that does not divide but rather increases as it covers all with its righteousness.
Isaiah 9:4–5 4For 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. 5For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.
One of the great things about this light is that it will use our darkness to fuel the fire. The fire will rid us of our sinful nature, cleanse us once again in the baptism John the Baptist told us about when He announced the savior to come who would baptize us with fire.
All who have been oppressed by their sin and the sin of others will be freed. War will be no more, and heavy burdens will be no more. Rather we will feel the relief of all weight that we have carried in our earthly lives. And a light will shine about us, and a light will shine within us, and a light will bring us joy forever and ever.
Isaiah 9:6 6For 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.
Merry Christmas to one and all, merry Christmas Amen.
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