Unto Us a Child | Christmas Eve: The Servant Songs | Isaiah 9:1-7 | Pastor J. M. Lee

I am excited and honored to be with you this evening! Tonight, we gather as the family of God to celebrate the most defining moment in history—to glorify and worship God, who — through Jesus — made a way for broken sinners to be adopted as children of God.

If you have your Bible, please turn with me to Isaiah 9.

In this passage, we find one of the most memorable promises of a Savior—a promise that shines just as brightly today as it did when it was first given. My goal this evening is not only to help us understand this promise but also to see how it applies to us practically and relationally—especially as it relates to the Light that gives us hope in the midst of a world often marked by gloom and weariness.

If you are able, I invite you now to stand for the reading of God’s Word.

Isaiah 9:1–7 (CSB)

1 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.

2 The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

a light has dawned

on those living in the land of darkness.

3 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.

4 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.

5 For every trampling boot of battle

and the bloodied garments of war

will be burned as fuel for the fire.

6 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.

7 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.

This is the Word of the Lord

Pray

The world loves to talk about Christmas as the ‘most wonderful time of the year.’ But if we’re honest — it doesn’t always feel that way, does it? For some of us, —Christmas is full of laughter and lights — trees glowing, music playing, cookies baking, and gifts piling up under the tree. But for many others — Christmas feels more like a spotlight on all that’s broken. It’s the empty chair at the dinner table, the silence from a child who hasn’t called, or the weight of strained relationships and unmet expectations. It’s the ache of sickness, the shadow of loss, and the loneliness that seems to grow when the rest of the world is busy celebrating.

And then — we step back and look at the bigger picture— at the world beyond our homes — and we see the same brokenness magnified. Wars rage. Division deepens. Disease spreads. Families are displaced. Our headlines groan under the weight of a world that feels darker with every passing year. It’s no wonder that, more than anything, we long for something — or Someone — to pierce the darkness, to lift our heads, and to bring us peace.

But here’s the good news: The darkness is not new. God’s people have known what it’s like to walk through deep darkness — to long for hope and a light to break through. The prophet Isaiah speaks to that very longing in Isaiah 9. He speaks of a promise — of a light that dawns in the darkness, of a Child who brings joy, peace, and hope that doesn’t fade with the season.

And on this night, we celebrate the fulfillment of that promise in Jesus Christ — the Light of the World who stepped into the darkness and changed everything.

So, if the brokenness feels heavy tonight — if the world seems too chaotic, and your own burdens feel too much to bear — hear this: Christmas is for you. Christmas is for the weary, the grieving, the broken, and the searching. It’s for those who know they need a Savior. Because in the midst of darkness, God has given us His Son—the true Light that no darkness can overcome.

Now — to understand the light we first have to understand the darkness. In other words — if we are to understand the significance of Isaiah 9, we need to understand the reality of the struggle, the difficulty, and the anguish the people of God were experiencing when this promise came to them.

We see this reality in Isaiah 8:22

Isaiah 8:22 (CSB)

22 They will look toward the earth and see only distress, darkness, and the gloom of affliction, and they will be driven into thick darkness.

For the people of God — everything looked black and ominous. A spirit of anguish and distress gripped their hearts. They felt completely helpless and alone — for they were living in a nation torn apart by division and war — and this reality and this verse speaks to the human condition and the cost of sin. Remember — in the beginning God created an amazing world — with good humans who had a great relationships with God, with one another, and with creation.

But — sin entered the picture and ruined everything.

Now — What is sin? How would you define sin? Well — sin is rejecting or ignoring God. Sin is disobeying God’s rule and law. Sin is also rejecting the good life God offers. And this disease called sin has disrupted every human relationship — our relationship with God, our relationship with ourselves, our relationship with one another, and our relationship with creation.

And the consequences of sin — the consequences of rebelling against God — are fitting and they are devastating — and perhaps — the most devastating reality is that these consequences not only effected Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden — but they have extended to everyone who has ever and will ever walk this earth.

Through Adam — sin entered the world — and everyone of us — by nature and by choice are sinners. We have rejected God — we have ignored God’s good rule and reign — and now death rules and it reigns and its spreading like a cancer. You see — the scene is dark — its dismal — as man is now separated from God — and there is nothing we can do to reconcile our relationship with Him. We can’t be good enough. We can’t be moral enough — or religious enough. And — as a result — life has become difficult and dark — and it’s defined by affliction, disorder, and death. And this darkness — this emptiness that we all feel — is the payment and the consequence of sin.

But God! God stepped in and told Isaiah to give His people the message of the ages — a message of hope — and understand — this hope is not simply wishful thinking but it’s a hope that is secure.

Now —Look back at verses 1 & 2 and see where this darkness was at its most abundant.

Isaiah 9:1–2 (CSB)

1 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.

2 The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

a light has dawned

on those living in the land of darkness.

In Zebulun and in Naphtali there was a deep darkness, disruption, and destruction. The people of God had been oppressed. Their structures of society…and life…and faith were destroyed. And — it was in this context — where the people of God had suffered the most — and it was there in the gloom of anguish and despair — in the midst of darkness and grief and heartache — where the light was going to dawn.

Now….this verse should remind us of Matthew 4:12-13 —

Matthew 4:12–13 (CSB)

12 When he [Jesus] heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Now — Why in the world did Jesus go there? Why did He go into the region of Zebulun and Naphtali? Well — Look at v14.

Matthew 4:14–15 (CSB)

14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,

along the road by the sea, beyond the Jordan,

Galilee of the Gentiles.

And then — in v16 Matthew points us back to Isaiah 9:2

Matthew 4:16 (CSB)

16 The people who live in darkness

have seen a great light,

and for those living in the land of the shadow of death,

a light has dawned.

Now — with this in mind — we can look back and see that Isaiah was describing — as a present reality — something that was still to yet to come. And he did so — in order to categorize this promise of God as a sure thing — an event that was certain to happen! You see — the first stop on this divine search and rescue mission was were God’s people had suffered the most — and it was from that very place God launched His plan of salvation for the world.

You see — with the birth of Jesus — God had ushered in an era of triumphant grace — and understand — this grace is not for those who have their life together — it’s not for those who believe that they are good enough or moral enough. No! Jesus did not come to high-five the successful. Jesus came for those walking in darkness — For THEY have seen a great light — and this light finds its fulfillment in the person and in the work of Jesus Christ!

Brothers and sisters — Isaiah points us to the King and His Kingdom — and this Kingdom — is unlike any other kingdom — for God’s Kingdom will never end! And this King is unlike any other king. For He is a King who is worth believing in. He is a King worth following. He is a King who will not betray our trust. Friends — this King is Jesus and He deserves to be our king forever — and the reason for this is seen in v3

Isaiah 9:3 (CSB)

3 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.

Now—if you’re like me—you probably don’t have much firsthand experience with harvesting. So, it might be hard to fully relate to the kind of joy that comes with a bountiful harvest. But let’s think of it this way — imagine the sheer joy of a college student opening an acceptance letter to their dream school after years of hard work and uncertainty. Or picture a soldier returning home after months—or even years—away from their family — stepping off the plane and being embraced by their loved ones.

Or perhaps think about the relief and happiness you’d feel if you paid off a debt that had weighed on you for years—finally free and able to move forward. These are moments of celebration — moments when the burden is lifted — and joy overflows.

But friends — even these moments pale in comparison to the joy that Jesus brings. There is no joy like the joy of being set free from sin and receiving Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

Look at verse 4 helps us see the source of this joy.

Isaiah 9:4 (CSB)

4 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.

This verse shows us that the source of their joy is liberation from oppression.

Now—you might be wondering—what in the world is "The Day of Midian"? Well, let’s talk about it. The Book of Judges tells us the story of an unlikely hero named Gideon and an incredible battle. Gideon was called by God to lead the Israelites in breaking the power of the massive Midianite army and freeing them from bondage and slavery.

But here’s where it gets really interesting: this victory wasn’t achieved by conventional means. God deliberately reduced Gideon’s army from 32,000 soldiers to just 300 men.

Why in the world would God do that?! Well, God wanted to make one thing very clear: Gideon’s victory had nothing to do with Gideon—nothing to do with human strength, strategy, or ingenuity. This victory was won solely because of God’s intervening power.

Now, Isaiah points us to an even greater liberator who is to come—one who will bring about a victory far beyond what Gideon experienced. This battle will not just end one war—it will end all wars.

Look at verse 5 and see this promise unfold.

Isaiah 9:5 (CSB)

5 For every trampling boot of battle

and the bloodied garments of war

will be burned as fuel for the fire.

In other words — we won’t need military boots or weapons for battle anymore—because our Liberator will not only defeat every force of evil in this world but will also bring a final end to all conflict.

Charles Spurgeon said it like this,

"The Prince of peace wars against war, and destroys it. What a glorious day is that in which the Lord breaks the bow and cuts the spear in sunder, and burns the chariot in the fire! I think I see it now. My sins, which were the weapons of my foes, the Lord pile in heaps. Look! He brings the fire-brand of his love from the altar of his sacrifice, and he sets fire to the gigantic pile. See how they blaze! They are utterly consumed for ever.” - Charles Spurgeon

You see….Every mechanism for tyranny will go into the bonfire of God’s grace.

Now you might be thinking…. “that’s great and all but I am already free….in fact I live in the land of the free”….but….. hear me out….you are not as free as you may think….you see… Jesus himself said that we are slaves to sin…..and sin has warped us from the inside out and there’s nothing that you and I can do to fix this problem ourselves. And this speaks to the truth that we do live under oppression….and this oppression is called sin…..and sin is the source for human conflict and even worse it causes conflict between us and God……and so we need a liberator….one who can break the chains….one who can set us free from the bondage of sin and death. Friends…..this is who Christmas is for……Christmas is for all of us who are broken and recognize our need for liberation.

Now…who is this light that brings us from gloom to glory? What child is this that was born in Bethlehem? Who is this man who would die on a cross and raise from the grave? What kind of king could have a kingdom that lasts forever? Who is this liberator who frees us from bondage and renews all things?

Well…..we find our answer in the birth announcement of this Liberator and King in v6…let’s take a look….Isaiah 9:6 …for here we see who Christmas is about.

Isaiah 9:6 (CSB)

6 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.

In other words — God’s answer to everything that has ever terrorized us — His answer to the evil powers of this world—is a child. Understand — the power of God is so far superior to the “powerful” figures of this world that He defeats them — not through displays of force — but by sending a mere child. Think about that. What God accomplishes has nothing to do with our strength or ingenuity. And what better way to express that — than all of the hope of the universe being found in a baby—the epitome of weakness, dependency, and smallness?

You see—God’s answer to the brokenness of this world and the weight of our sin is a baby born in Bethlehem. God’s answer is Jesus. And the incredible truth is that when Jesus was born — even in the weakness of infancy — the success of His mission was already secure

Church — in a world full of uncertainty — this is the one certainty we can count on. Whatever you are facing today—whatever hardship, tragedy, or difficulty—you can rest assured that God is not nervously working on a "Plan B." He does not need a backup plan.Through the birth of Jesus — God has come. Jesus—fully God and fully man—lived in perfect obedience to the Father. Jesus did not sin. Yet He went to the cross and died not just for you but instead of you. And — His death perfectly satisfied the payment necessary for every sin that has ever been or will ever be committed.

Friend — Jesus conquered sin, Satan, and death, making a way for you to be in a right relationship with God and with each other. And now — all who trust in Jesus are liberated — set free. And although we live in this “in-between time”— in a broken world marred by sin—we anticipate the day when Jesus will return in glory and power to finish what He started.

Now — listen closely. You are being invited to stop trusting in yourself. You are being invited to stop trusting in the powers of this world. You are being invited to enter into the Kingdom of God — for a child has been born for you. For you, a son is given. You see — Jesus was not just sent. No! Jesus was given.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…" (John 3:16)

And this Son—this child—is:

The Wonderful Counselor who provides wisdom, comfort, and truth for every moment of life.

He is the Mighty God, all-powerful and victorious, who fights for you and secures your salvation.

He is the Eternal Father, who loves you perfectly, adopts you into His family, and will never leave you.

He is the Prince of Peace, who reconciles you to God, brings peace to your heart, and offers rest to this weary world.

This is who Christmas is about. This is the One who has come to save you. This is the One who will return to claim you!

Brothers and sisters, God knows you. God loves you. And unlike the gifts under your Christmas tree, God gives you exactly what you need. He gives you Himself.

Now, let’s take one last look at verse 7, and we’ll close here:

Isaiah 9:7 (CSB)

7 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.

I love how the ESV translates this…it says…..Isaiah 9:7.

Isaiah 9:7 (ESV)

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end …

That word “increase” is so powerful. It speaks to an overwhelming abundance—a never-ending multiplication. God’s kingdom, His empire of grace, will expand forever. Think about that. If today you choose to live by faith in Jesus— you’ll be part of that kingdom for eternity. You’ll get to enjoy His triumph—His unshakable victory—forever. And you’ll experience His love, His grace, His provision, and His protection, again and again, moment by moment, for all eternity. And here’s the most amazing part: every single moment with Him will be better than the last.

Now, how can we be sure of this? How can we trust that this promise will really happen? Look again at verse 7:

Isaiah 9:7 (CSB)

7 …The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.

It’s God’s zeal—His passion, His enthusiasm, His unwavering devotion to His Son—that will make it happen. That word zeal is like a fire burning in the heart of God, and there is no power in heaven, on earth, or under the earth that can stop Him from accomplishing His purpose. It’s His passion that’s driving history forward to the final triumph of grace.

And Church — here’s something we need to understand — you and I won’t achieve this victory ourselves. We can’t. It’s not within us. The truth is, we don’t trust God enough. We’re not always faithful. But here’s the good news—God is faithful. He is solving the problem for us because —unlike us — His heart isn’t divided.

This is the guarantee of our salvation. And it’s a guarantee you can trust. So tonight — I invite you—trust Him. Rest in Him. God’s zeal is carrying us toward a future that is secure, eternal, and full of grace. Let’s rest in that promise tonight.

Let’s pray

Communion

Candle Lighting

Tonight, as we light our candles, we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who broke through the darkness of sin and death with the glory of His grace. But even as we rejoice in the light of His first coming, we remember that we are still a people waiting—waiting for His glorious return, when He will fully establish His kingdom of peace, justice, and righteousness.

Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us of this hope:

Isaiah 9:7 (CSB)

7 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.

This promise is only partially fulfilled now, as we live between Christ’s first coming and His second.

As we light our candles tonight — let these flames remind us that Jesus has already brought His light into the world. His light now shines through us — His people — as we wait for the day when He will return — when the darkness will be no more — and the earth will be filled with His glory. May this be a time of joyful reflection and eager anticipation as we look forward to the day when the Lord Himself will reign forever.

_______________________________________________

(The Christ Candle is lit first by the pastor, symbolizing Jesus as the Light of the World. The light from the Christ Candle is then passed to the congregation, symbolizing the spread of Christ’s light through His people as we live as His witnesses while we await His return.)

________________________________________________

Scripture Reading During Candle Lighting

John 1:1–5 (CSB)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.

John 1:9 (CSB)

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

Sing, “Silent Night”

Revelation 21:22–24 (CSB)

22 I did not see a temple in it, because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.

As we hold these candles, we remember that Christ, the Light of the World, has come into our darkness to bring salvation, peace, and joy. But we also recognize that the fullness of His kingdom is still to come. We are His people, called to shine His light in this world as we wait for His return. Let these candles remind us that though we walk in a world where darkness remains, the light of Christ shines in us and through us. And one day, He will return to banish the darkness forever.

Revelation 22:20 (CSB)

20 He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

Sing, “ All Glory Be to Christ”