What Jesus Brings at Christmas
Isaiah 9:1-7
1. Jesus Brings Light to Darkness
Isaiah 9:1a, 2 (NLT)
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever… The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
“We have to decide what reading of our experiences we are going to live by. The darkness and distress are real but they are neither the only reality nor the fundamental reality.” - Alec Motyer
John 8:12 (NLT)
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
2. Jesus Brings Joy to Despair
Isaiah 9:3 (NLT)
You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.
Luke 1:44 (NLT)
When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.
Luke 1:47 (NLT)
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
Luke 2:10b (NLT)
“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
Nehemiah 8:10b (NLT)
Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”
Philippians 4:4 (NLT)
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
3. Jesus Brings Freedom to Oppression
Isaiah 9:4 (NLT)
For you will break the yoke of their slavery and li4 the
heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
1 John 3:8 (NIV)
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
4. Jesus Brings Heaven to Earth
Isaiah 9:6–7a (NLT)
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
Matthew 28:20b (NLT)
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Luke 24:49 (NLT)
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
5. Jesus Brings God’s Promise to People
“God pays as He promises; all His payments are made in pure gold.” - Thomas Brookes
2 Corinthians 1:20a (ESV)
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him.
