O Happy Day!

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

God of love and God of joy, God of Bethlehem’s baby boy, I thank You and bless Your name.

Read Isaiah 9:1-7

^[1] Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan- ^[2] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. ^[3] You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. ^[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. ^[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. ^[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. ^[7] Of the greatness 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.

Meditate

“If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator; or technology, he would have sent a scientist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior” (unknown).

Think Further

The immediate context for this wonderful prophecy is the lack of Ahaz’s faith and the promise of an immediate successor on the throne of David, his somewhat more successful son, Hezekiah. The prophecy of light overcoming darkness goes far beyond this, however, illuminating the plight of the exiles in Babylon some 200 years later, the promise of their return, and beyond that even, to the birth of Jesus. For Matthew, Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God is also envisioned (Matt. 4:12-17).

What is the substance of the prophecy? Rescue and rejoicing. God’s passionate jealousy (or zeal) is an intense, burning, possessive love for his covenant people, Israel, and his own holy name. Israel has denied both the covenant and God’s holiness through her conduct. She will suffer the consequences at the hands of her enemies: here Assyria, eventually Babylon, and beyond that, Rome. But God does not let the matter rest. He involves himself in restoring his people, giving them a fresh, new beginning. In Christ and his birth, life, death and resurrection, all of humanity, indeed all of the created order, is given a fresh start.

Christmas Day, in the midst of winter, reminds us of both death and resurrection in the encounter between darkness and light. The rejoicing we share, through carols, presents and festive meals, should echo the rejoicing over the harvest and the sharing of spoils after a battle (3). It should be a time of justice, peace, authority rightly exercised and power put to the service of the poor (7). The names of this special son of David (6) simply express God’s sovereign presence and wisdom in guiding human history, and his personal involvement in our concerns.

Apply

What is the best present you can receive this Christmas? How does or would it express God’s love?

Closing prayer

I praise You, Lord, that You drew near in Jesus the Christ Child. He is truly a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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