Jackie V. ~ A Christmas Message

The Christmas story, as told in Isaiah 9:2-7 in the Bible, was given almost 750 years before the birth of Christ, yet it carries so many correlations to our current time.  Jackie takes this Christmas story and breaks it down for us, by verse, and shares bits and pieces of her life journey as she goes.  Much has been written about this passage of Isaiah, and it can be complicated trying to understand what was happening historically in Israel during this time, but Jackie’s presentation helps to make it a little more clear, even to the non-theologians among us.

Verse 2; “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”  This verse refers to a time that was cloaked in religiosity, and a spirit of rebellion against God.  We now live in this same kind of darkness where people claim to be “Christian”, but have little or no understanding what true Christianity really is.  This verse talks about a light that will shine on those in the dark.  This light is Emmanuel, God with Us (Jesus).

Verse 3; “You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.”  In Isaiah's vision he sees that the nation of Israel will grow and become glad in their salvation, just as men are glad in the harvest time when there is much to eat, and finally there is reward for their toil.

Verse 4; “For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.”  This Christmas story tells how God's son, Jesus, will come to Earth and break the burden of darkness and sin.

Verse 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.”  This verse of the Christmas story tells of Isaiah vision as a battle, but he also sees in the story victory as fire burns up the garments of the booted warrior, burning the blood as fuel.

Verse 6; “For to 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.”  Isaiah saw in his vision, a great darkness, but he also saw the way out of that darkness; a child, a son, born to save us. He would bear the burden of the government (all authority is given to him; in heaven and on earth) and in the end he will be known as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.  This child is Jesus.

Verse 7; “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”  Isaiah's vision of the Christmas story ends with the continual increase of God's kingdom.  It is Christ's passion and enthusiasm that will accomplish this.  It is this same zeal and passion that will accomplish the work that he is doing in your life.