The Hope of the Dawn

English Standard Version Chapter 9

For to Us a Child Is Born

9  But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

2  The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shone.

3  You have multiplied the nation;

you have increased its joy;

they rejoice before you

as with joy at the harvest,

as they are glad when they divide the spoil.

4  For the yoke of his burden,

and the staff for his shoulder,

the rod of his oppressor,

you have broken as on the day of Midian.

5  For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult

and every garment rolled in blood

will be burned as fuel for the fire.

6  For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7  Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

INTRODUCTION

The Longest Night of the Year (Darkness That Feels Endless)

Theme: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”

Imagine standing outside on the winter solstice—the longest night of the year. The air is cold, the world is silent, and the darkness feels thick. In ancient times, people wondered if the sun would ever return or if the darkness might win.

But then—without fail—light begins to grow again. Slowly, the darkness recedes. And though you can’t control it, and you can’t hasten it, you can count on it: light is coming.

Isaiah wrote into a world much darker than any winter night—politically, spiritually, morally. People wondered if God had forgotten them, if the darkness would swallow them forever.

And into that scene Isaiah announces:

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”

Not a military victory. Not a political reform. Not a human plan.

A Child. A Son. A King whose light no darkness can overcome.

In every period of history, humanity has sought a righteous form of government, but the depravity in every nation has made it impossible.

The pharaohs of Egypt enslaved people to build their pyramids. The Assyrians introduced new depths of human brutality into government, leaving piles of corpses behind them. The Greeks under Alexander the Great sought to spread the fruits of Greek wisdom, but the despotic Greek kings that followed him left a trail of defilement in the pages of history.

The Roman Empire brought stable government and a great road system, propped up with the overwhelming power of their legions. The barbarian hordes swept across Europe from the icy northland and the steppes of Asia and put out the lights of culture and of government for centuries.

The American Revolution broke away from the former ways of establishing government and created a government of the people, for the people, and by the people, in Abraham Lincoln’s famous words; but the government established here has proven to be far from perfect, corrupted as it is by the sinful hearts “of the people.”

The Twentieth century saw the experiment in government that forced sharing for the supposed benefit of the poor known as communism. This proved to be a monumental failure both socially and morally.

Democracy, with all of its weaknesses and corruptions, still remains the best the human race has developed; but as Winston Churchill said famously, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time”

Isaiah 9:6-7 perhaps one of the most famous passages in the entire book, it answers these hopes and dreams of the world, for it predicts a perfect ruler who will reign forever, over a prosperous and peaceful realm. Of course this is Jesus Christ, the perfect ruler of the world and the government will be on His shoulder.

Big Idea: The Hope of the World Rests on the Deity and Humanity of Christ.

1. Hope Shines the Light of Our Salvation

The Great light is ultimately Christ Himself.

Jesus fulfills this by:

coming into the darkness (incarnation)

revealing God to us (revelation)

breaking the power of sin (redemption)

guiding us into truth and life (salvation and sanctification)

He doesn’t just shine a light He is the very presence and Revelation of God entering human darkness

A. Darkness doesn’t Fix itself.

What is the Nature of the Darkness?

Isaiah Describes a Layered aspect of the Darkness

a. Spiritual Blindness

(Isaiah 6:9-10 “Isaiah was sent to a people who hear but not understand and see but not perceive.”)

People cannot see God, truth, or their need for salvation without divine intervention. 2 Corinthians 4:4 “4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

b. Sin’s bondage

Sin enslaves, corrupts desires, and distorts our loves. John 3:19 “19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”

c. Idolatry and False Hopes

(Isaiah 2:8 “8 Their land is filled with idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their own fingers have made.” Romans 1:25 “25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” )

People chase false lights—pleasure, approval, power, self-expression—yet remain empty.

d. Fear, Anxiety, and Hopelessness (Isaiah 8:21–22)

Israel was terrified of enemies and uncertain of the future—exactly like many today.

e. Suffering, Grief, and Brokenness (Isa. 9:1; Psalm 23:4 “4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Darkness includes pain, loss, and living in a fallen world filled with death.

f. Death Itself (Isa. 9:2; Matthew 4:16 “16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.””

Matthew calls the region “Galilee of the Gentiles… the land of the shadow of death.”

Humanity lives under this shadow—unable to escape death without God.

How Does Jesus Shine in the Dark World?

We know that before the creation of the world there was only God who is light. We also know that in the Kingdom that is to come there will only be light all the time shining forth from the throne of God.

From the beginning God built into His creation the very thing that humanity would recognize as darkness. He created and separated the day from the night. Once humanity was plunged into sin and darkness they now understood the true meaning of that darkness.

Isaiah 9 and the NT give us several ways that Jesus shines in the Dark World.

(1) Jesus Reveals God to us - He is the light of Revelation

Jesus is the exact imprint of God in flesh. Hebrews 1:3 “3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

Without Jesus, people are blind to God’s character, truth, and salvation.

(2) Jesus removes the darkness of guilt and sin — He is the light of redemption

He defeats the darkness of sin by taking our darkness upon Himself at the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

(3) Jesus guides us through this world — He is the light of direction

A world without God is moral confusion. But Jesus says: John 8:12 “12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””

(4) Jesus gives hope that conquers fear — the light of assurance

Isaiah 9 speaks of:

joy replacing gloom

peace replacing fear

hope replacing despair

Jesus shines by giving hope that darkness cannot extinguish—

a living hope through His resurrection.

(5) Jesus opens blind eyes — the light of new birth

Ultimately, people don’t decide to “see” spiritually; they need divine illumination.

“God… has shone in our hearts…” (2 Cor. 4:6)

Jesus causes the blind to see God, themselves, sin, and grace.

(6) Jesus shines through His people — the church as reflectors of His light

Matthew 5:14 says that we become “light of the world” not because of who we are, but because we reflect the Light of Christ.

B. Salvation is God’s Initiative not Human Achievement.

God comes to Adam and Eve after they hide (Gen. 3)

God calls Abraham out of idolatry (Josh. 24:2–3)

God rescues Israel from Egypt (Ex. 2:23–25)

God sends prophets to rebellious people

Christ is sent “while we were still sinners” (Rom. 5:8)

Note: The Light comes to them because grace comes to the undeserving.

Advent is not Humanity climbing to God - it is God descending to us. Salvation is not human self-rescue it is God’s supernatural intervention in History and time.

The Light must come from the one who is light (1 John 1:5).

2. Hope Reveals the Source of our Joy

The Bible consistently teaches that true, lasting joy has one source: God Himself. Not circumstances. Not success. Not comfort. Not possessions.

Our joy flows from who God is, what God has done, and what God promises to do.

“you have increased it’s joy”

How has God increased our Joy?

a. Our Joy is Increased in God’s presence.

We do not Pursue Joy by Chasing Happiness - We Pursue Joy by Drawing near to God

Happiness is a feeling or emotion, joy is a choice we make. Joy begins not with what Gives but with God himself. Knowing God is the ultimate joy in life. Psalm 21:6

Psalm 21:6 ESV

6 For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.

b. Our Joy is Increased in salvation.

God’s saving work is one of the most repeated foundations for joy in the Bible.

Joy is rooted in being rescued from sin, death, and wrath.

c. Our Joy is Increased in the Gospel of Christ

Luke 2:10 ESV

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

The Gospel message of Christ is now for all people. This has to be the most joyous news in all of creation.

d. Our Joy is increased in the Holy Spirit

The Spirit produces a supernatural joy that even comes out in the middle of our suffering. We know that joy is the fruit of God working in our lives. If we do not have joy then we do not have the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 1:6

1 Thessalonians 1:6 ESV

6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

e. Our Joy is Increased in Trusting in God’s Promises

Joy expounds and grows greater as we put our faith into action trusting God in all His ways. Joy is the assured confidence that God will keep all He has promised to do now and in the future.

f. Our Joy is Increased in Obedience and Walking with God

Joy is found not in rebellion but Holiness. Holiness is not the enemy of joy but the pathway to joy.

g. Our Joy is Increased Trials because God is at Work

All through scripture we find that one of the greatest markers of a true follower of Christ is how they deal with and handle trials when they come.

Biblical joy is not dependent on an easy life or based on our present circumstances. Joy survives hardships because it is anchored in God’s purposes in the middle of your trials.

James 1:2–4 ESV

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

h. Our Joy is increased in God’s Future Kingdom

The final victory of God fills believers with a future forward thinking joy. Our present joy is just a taste of the eternal joy that is yet to come. As soon as God sent His son into the world the future kingdom of Heaven was at work.

*God’s Deliverance Brings Overflowing Joy

Two Images of Joy

a. The Joy of Relief after long season’s of Waiting (Harvest Joy)

This is the joy of abundance, satisfaction, and relief after waiting through a long season of hardship.

Harvest joy is:

overwhelming

communal

celebratory

the pleasure of receiving what you did not produce alone

This teaches:

God’s salvation is not small, partial, or restrained—it is abundant joy, relief, and satisfaction.

b. The Joy after a Battle that seemed unwinnable (dividing the spoil)

It means:

the enemy is defeated

the people are safe

the hard struggle is over

God has won for them what they could not win for themselves

This teaches:

Salvation is victory, not self-improvement.

It is God acting on behalf of His people to defeat their oppressor.

“The Longest Battle”

In WWII, the Allied forces liberated a concentration camp early one morning. Survivors described what it felt like: the night was suffocating—filled with hunger, abuse, and fear. But at dawn, they heard something new: not the boots of captors, but the footsteps of liberators. For the first time in years, light broke through.

That morning no prisoner could claim, “We freed ourselves.” “We defeated evil.” “We ended the darkness.”

Salvation came from outside.

This is the picture Isaiah paints:

“You have shattered the yoke… broken the staff… burned the boots of the warrior.”

How? Not through Israel’s strength. Not through a new king on the throne. Not through political ingenuity.

But through a Child— one whose name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

God rescues us by His power, not ours.

*God’s Deliverance breaks every Yoke of Oppression

Three images of oppression: yoke, staff, and rod.

a. The Yoke — slavery, heavy burdens

b. The Staff — forced labor, exhaustion

c. The Rod — cruelty, abuse, intimidation

Altogether:

This is total oppression—physical, emotional, spiritual.

God shatters all three.

God brings deliverance through His own power

victory comes unexpectedly and supernaturally

the enemy is defeated decisively

God saves through weakness (Gideon / Christ)

This teaches:

God’s salvation is liberation from every form of bondage—

not just external circumstances, but slavery to sin, fear, death, Satan, guilt, and shame.

“As in the Day of Midian”

Isiah references Gideon and His battle of Jericho. There are several striking parallels in the two stories. Without a sword in his hadn and only three hundred men fear was struck into the hearts of their enemies.

The evil forces of Midian turned on themselves and imploded.

Satan turned his evil weapon of death on Jesus and by killing him destroyed his own kingdom. And we who were enslaved by Satan through fear of death have been released to serve God in joy (Heb 2:14).

*God’s Deliverance Ends War and Brings Lasting Peace

Two images: war boots and blood-stained garments.

These are the symbols of violence, destruction, and endless conflict.

What does God do with them?

He burns them.

Not stored.

Not cleaned.

Not reused for the next war.

Burned. Destroyed. Gone forever.

God’s salvation creates:

lasting peace

the end of violence

the dismantling of instruments of war

a world where conflict will not return

a kingdom of peace under the Prince of Peace (v. 6)

This peace is not fragile—it is permanent and absolute.

3. Hope Exposes the Nature of His Kingdom

*Jesus has Unlimited Authority in Heaven and on Earth

“And the government shall be on His shoulders.”

Kings and kingdoms, rulers and authorities, nations and monarchy's, have come and gone. Jesus Christ rules in authority over all of them.

The government will be on His shoulders figuratively refers to the kingly robe to be worn by the Messiah. As King, He will be responsible to govern the nation. In Isaiah’s day Judah’s leaders were incompetent in governing the people. But the Messiah will govern properly.

How did Jesus Assert His Authority During His ministry

1) He Asserted His authority over nature: Calming the storm, walked on water, multiplied the fish and bread, turned the water into wine.

2) He Asserted His authority over the physical: the paralyzed, blind, dead, leapers.

3) He asserted His authority over Demons and the spiritual realm: He casted out legions of unclean spirits who obeyed his very command.

4) He asserted His authority over Sin: He forgave the paralytic man, he forgave the woman caught in adultery.

5) He asserted authority to interpret and fulfill scripture. He speaks of self originating authority that is equal to God. He is the Lord of the scripture and the fulfillment.

6) Jesus asserted authority over religious institutions: He is Lord of the Sabbath, cleansing of the temple.

7) Jesus asserted authority over life and death.

8) Jesus asserted authority over all nations. (all authority in heaven and earth has been given to him)

*Jesus Name is Above every other Name

He will have 4 descriptive names to identify and define His character

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR Wonderful Counselor: the word translated “wonderful” refers to the ability to work supernatural signs (Exod 3:20); the word counselor refers to the giving of wise advice, as advisors to the king would do (2 Sam 16:23). Jesus came both to do signs and wonders and to give wisdom by his teachings.

MIGHTY GOD

This is perhaps one of the most significant words. It points directly to the deity and incarnation of Christ as fully God and fully man. The word translated “mighty” was a common one for powerful men, warriors who could carry the day by the power of their military prowess (Judg 11:1); it is a natural word but still descriptive of great power. But the word translated “God” (Hb el) was absolutely divine, the most common word in the Hebrew Bible for deity.

These words show the absolute infinite power of Jesus Christ who will one day return as Mighty Warrior who will slay all of His enemies with the sword coming out of His mouth.

ETERNAL FATHER

Again a mingling of words that are associated with the full deity of Christ. The word father is an everyday word but when you place it with eternal it takes on a supernatural meaning. A Father whose going forth is from eternity past. Malachi 4:2

Malachi 4:2 ESV

2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

Jesus does play a fatherly role even though the word Father is usually reserved for our God the Father.

PRINCE OF PEACE

Jesus will be a ruler who brings peace and is characterized by peace.

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful” (John 14:27). Most of all, Jesus gives eternal peace with God by his death on the cross Rom 5:1

Romans 5:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

*Jesus Rule and Reign will have no end

What is the nature of His Kingdom rule?

The CSB says, “The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end.

Perhaps more dynamic is the more famous KJV: “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end” (emphasis added).

What is the “increase” of Christ’s government? How is it that it will never end? The Hebrew word translated “increase” (or “vast”) gives a sense of ever-growing abundance (7:22), of multiplication (Gen 1:28).

So, for all you math nerds out there that means that Christ’s Kingdom will be characterized by a never ending amount of multiplication in it’s prosperity and growth.

How can this be true in heaven since there will not longer be any babies born or any form of procreation.

It seems that in heaven even though the new creation will be morally perfect and will not forget anything that they have learned. They will still be every growing in their knowledge of the greatness of Christ and His achievements.

We will never stop increasing in our love for Him and our passionate knowledge and worship of Him.

This kingdom was established the moment Christ came to earth and it will never end. That greatness will continue on forever, and ever, and ever.

The zeal of the LORD of Armies will accomplish this.” God’s zeal for the glory of his Son will make this happen forever, and no power in heaven or earth or under the earth can stop it.

CLOSING

Why are you worried and troubled today. Rejoice in the victory you have won through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Have we ... reduced the stable scene to some cutesy little scenario that has no meaning left in it at all? Have we lost the sense of awe that there, in that stable, God became man? What can be the point of Christmas if it is here today and gone tomorrow? For all our celebrations this time of year, why do so many fail to recognize Christmas's Lord? ... The fact remains that our world never comes as close to being in contact with its greatest hope as it does at Christmas.

J.I. Packer on The Hope of Christmas

The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity—hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory—because at the Father's will Jesus Christ became poor and was born in a stable so that thirty years later he might hang on a cross

THIS WEEK OF ADVENT

Meditate on the Awesome Titles given to Jesus Christ. (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father)

Resolve to Obey Jesus as your King More and More.

Look forward to and Eternity of Learning More and More about Him.