White Christmas (Part 4) – Isaiah 9:1-7
Research done by the University of Kentucky reveals that the acoustics of snow absorbs up to 60% of sound so the feeling of calm that comes is real.
Henry Longfellow was a poet that lived during the Civil War era. He dealt with great hardships in life. While nursing his son back to health from being shot in a battle, he heard the bells on Christmas Day. He struggled with the idea of peace in the midst of all the turmoil. Christmas reminded him that peace came through God.
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
Living in
doesn’t mean a bleak
.
1Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first He lightly esteemed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more heavily oppressed her, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles. 2The 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. 3You 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. 4For 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. 5For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, and garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire. —Isaiah 9:1-5
It began with a
.
It will end with a
.
6For 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. 7Of 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 9:6-7
Look back at the announcement from Gabriel to young Mary…
29But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” —Luke 1:29-33
“Everything will be alright in the end. So if it is not alright, it is not the end.”