“Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils. For you have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as you did on the day of Midian. For every trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.” —Isaiah 9:1-7

*Isaiah 9 begins on a troubling note. Why? *

1. It’s The Thrill Of Hope Because Of Who Was

“A child will be born for us”

This speaks of the humanity of Jesus. He would be born of an earthly mother. He’d put on human

.

“We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been

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in every way as we are, yet without

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” —Hebrews 4:15

“A son would be given to us”

While His description as being a “child who was born” speaks to the humanity of Jesus…His description as a “son who was given” speaks to His

If Jesus were not fully

, He could not stand in the place of sinful man and be a substitute for the punishment man deserves.
If He were not fully

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, His sacrifice would be insufficient, and we’d remain

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in our sin!

2. It’s The Thrill Of Hope Because Of

He Was Born

“The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever.”

This great promised Messiah would usher in a

that has no end! One that He will rule and reign over. One that we will inhabit for all of eternity if we believed upon His name.