Isaiah 9:2–7 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 9:2–7 on biblegateway.com
Verse 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness- on them light has shined. Verse 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. Verse 4For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. Verse 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. Verse 6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Verse 7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Devotion
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)
For those of us who live in the north, winter is often a time of darkness—the days are short and often gray and gloomy. And then there are those rare but wonderful winter days, when the air is crisp and clean, and the sunlight streams down on the sparkling, crystalline snow. The sun is so bright that it makes it difficult to see! Imagine how the light of God breaking into the world in the birth of Jesus can be dazzling to us, we who live in a land of deep darkness!
Prayer
Burst into our gray and gloomy world, Lord, and into our lives. Help us to see the glory of your light in the good news of your Son. Amen.