Today's Scripture
Christmas Became Real Isaiah 9:2-7
2 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.
3 You 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.
4 For 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.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For 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.
7 His 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.
RJ's Devotion
WHAT DOES THE PASSAGE say?
V. 2-3 There is hope that only people, who experience deep darkness will appreciate.
V. 4-5 All burden and yoke will be freed, and the oppressors will fall.
V. 6-7 Ironically, it will be done by a child, who has all authority. His name is “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (v. 6 NRSV).
What Does the passage Mean to Me/US?
Isaiah proclaims to the Israelites that they will be hope, at the end of this darkness. It is interesting to see how Isaiah says, that the people who walked in darkness already sees the light. As we read, the hope of the baby with authority is described later in the prophecy. Also, it took several centuries for this prophecy to be realized. However, we hear how the hope is shown to the people, even in their darkness.
I understand it as a mystery of God’s time. Even though it is yet to come, the hope of salvation already started.
The ones in the darkness, even in their anguish were blessed to see the hope that was and is and yet to come.
We too are living in that mystery. We see how Jesus came to this world 2,000 years ago, but still with us, and yet to come.
May the Holy Mystery give you hope throughout this day, especially for those who might be in darkness.
Prayer
Lord, your salvation is sometimes hard to understand. That is why we believe in your grace. Embrace us in your love and holy mystery, that we will be able to reflect your hope to this world. In Christ Name, we pray, AMEN
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