The Promised Light

Isaiah 9:1–7 HCSB

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 the 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 Hosts will accomplish this.

Light in the Darkness: Jesus the Light of the World

Sermon: The Promised Light Scripture: Isaiah 9:1–7 Speaker: Pastor Adrian S. Taylor Advent Emphasis: Hope

Main Idea:

Isaiah prophesied primarily to Judah and Jerusalem in the eighth century BC while addressing events that also affected the northern tribes. Under Assyrian pressure and spiritual darkness, God promised a great Light to people walking in deep darkness, and that promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Introduction: When Light Reached the Deepest Dark

In 2010, thirty-three miners were trapped nearly half a mile underground in the Atacama Desert of Chile. For seventeen long days no one on the surface knew if they were alive. Families camped in a place they called Hope Square and prayed. Engineers drilled through the dense rock. Journalists waited with microphones while mothers waited with tears, hoping for any sign of life. It felt like the whole world held its breath in the dark.

Then, on day seventeen, a drill bit finally broke through a narrow borehole. When the crew pulled the bit back up, a small note was attached to it from the depths: “Estamos bien en el refugio los 33.” We are well in the shelter, the 33. The camp erupted with shouts and sobs. Light had not yet reached those men, but hope had. A way had opened.

Weeks later, the rescue capsule, named Phoenix, was lowered into the shaft. The plan required simple obedience. Each man had to listen to the voice from above, put on the harness, step into the narrow capsule, and trust the rescuers they could not see. One by one, they rose from night to day. Mothers embraced sons. Wives held husbands. Children saw their fathers step out of the darkness and into the light.

Beloved, that is what God does. He makes a way where there is no way. He speaks hope into dark places. He reaches people in pits they cannot climb out of and says, “I have come for you.” And that is the call of Christian discipleship. We do not stay in the cave. We respond to the voice. We trust the Savior. We step into the obedience that lifts us from death to life. Despite the darkness of stress, sorrow, and suffering in our lives; God has provided a divine light. 

Isaiah preached to a people who knew darkness. Their land was fractured. Their leaders were failing. Their sins had led them into a long night. Yet the prophet declared, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.” God promised a Light for those who could not find the exit. He promised a child, a Son, a King whose government rests on His shoulders and whose peace will never end. He promised a Counselor who is wonderful, a Warrior who is God, a Father who will not forsake, and a Prince who brings a peace that holds.

As we begin this Advent series, lift your eyes. Do not stare only at the shadows. Look to the Promised Light. The God who raised those miners from the deep has sent His Son to raise us from our deepest night. When Jesus shines, hope multiplies, chains break, tears of sorrow turn into tears of joy, and peace begins to grow.

Let us step out of the shadows. Let us step into His light. And let us listen to Isaiah as he shows us the Promised Light who is Jesus Christ our Lord.

I. End of Gloom (Isaiah 9:1–2)

A. Holy Reversal (Isaiah 9:1)

Isaiah 9:1 HCSB

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.

Past Pains (Isaiah 9:1a) - “Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zubulun and the land of Naphtali…”

The chapter opens with a striking phrase in Isaiah 9:1 - "Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation." signaling a holy pivot. The Lord contrasts the former time of humiliation, described in Isaiah 8:11-22, with the latter time of honor. After Solomon, the kingdom divided under Rehoboam and Jeroboam: two tribes formed the southern kingdom of Judah, and ten tribes formed the northern kingdom of Israel. These northern tribes were the first struck by Assyria. Deportations fractured families. Foreign settlers altered language, worship, and the economy. The route called the Way of the Sea made the region strategic and vulnerable. By Isaiah’s day it was called Galilee of the nations. The stigma was real, and the shame was public. Yet God chose the shamed place to showcase His salvation.

Zebulun and Naphtali had been beaten mercilessly during the Assyrian invasions (2 Kings 15:29), yet God Himself promises to make that very corridor by the sea a place of future honor.

2. Promised Pardon (Isaiah 9:1b) - Honor is hidden in the humbled. The very place that felt forgotten becomes the platform of God's favor. God does His finest work in places everybody else writes off. The One who allowed the humbling will author the healing. Jesus’ ministry was especially impactful in this region, which directly fulfilled the Isaiah prophecy (Matthew 4:13-15). Reversal is rooted in revelation. When God speaks nevertheless, your narrative changes.

Matthew 4:14–16 HCSB

14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, along the sea road, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles! 16 The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the shadowland of death, light has dawned.

The blessed truth of the Gospel is that God redeems and rescues us from the disasters of our own doing. God is so gracious that despite us suffering the consequences of our own wrong doing, God continues showing His love and turns our dark nights into better days.  

So do not despise the place that hurt you. Submit it to the Lord. Pray over your Zebulun. Fast over your Naphtali. Ask God to turn the very ground of grief into a garden of grace.

Cross-References: 2 Kings 15:29; Matthew 4:12-16; Psalm 3:3

Matthew 4:14–16 “14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.”

B. Heavenly Light (Isaiah 9:2)

Isaiah 9:2 HCSB

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.

Persistent Darkness (Isaiah 9:2a) - “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” Isaiah describes a settled condition: they walk and they dwell in darkness. This is not a passing cloud but a way of life under judgment and confusion. The verbs “have seen” and “hath shined” are prophetic perfects. God speaks about a sure future as if it has already happened. The light is not kindled from within. It comes from above. It comes upon them. Grace visits. Glory invades. The initiative belongs to God. 

Prophetic Deliverance - Isaiah has just sketched a nation groping through gloom (Isaiah 8:19–22). In the north, where Assyria had humbled Zebulun and Naphtali, people lived with fear, foreign rule, and fractured worship. That region would be known as Galilee of the nations. Into that borderland, God promised a dawn that would begin there and spread outward in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Shadowland, Shined Upon: Where death casts its longest shadow, God sends His strongest shine.

Prophetic-perfect tense is using. Isaiah speaks of future events as if they had already happened because their deliverance was guaranteed by the sovereign, covenant-keeping God.

Salvation is not human discovery. Salvation is divine disclosure in the face of Jesus Christ. We do not climb to the light. The Light comes down to us. Jesus declares that He is the light that lights everyman who comes into the world (John 8:12).

God shined a light by the star of Bethlehem leading the magi. Matthew 2:1–10

God shined a light upon the Shepherds in the field — “the glory of the Lord shone round about them.” Luke 2:9

God shined a light through Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration — Jesus’ face shines like the sun; a bright cloud. Matthew 17:1–6; Mark 9:2–7; Luke 9:28–36

God shined a light on Saul on the Damascus Road — “a light from heaven,” brighter than the sun. Acts 9:3–9; 22:6–11; 26:13–18

John 8:12 KJV 1900

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Turn your face toward the Lord this week. Open the Word each morning and pray, “Lord, let Your light shine upon me.” Confess what the darkness has been hiding. Step into Christian fellowship. Ask Jesus to shine on your mind, your marriage, your children, and your choices.

Cross-References: Psalm 23:4; Luke 1:78-79; 2 Corinthians 4:6; John 8:12

II. End to War (Isaiah 9:3–5)

A. Multiplied Joy and the Shattered Yoke (Isaiah 9:3–4)

Isaiah 9:3–4 HCSB

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.

1. Restored Joy (Isaiah 9:3) - Verse 3 announces what God gives, multiplication and gladness by declaring they will have joy or rejoicing four times in verse three alone.

verse 4 explains how God makes it possible, liberation from oppression. The “for” at the start of v. 4 ties the joy to the breaking. God increases the nation and intensifies its joy because He breaks the yoke of burden, the staff on the shoulder, and the rod of the oppressor, “as in the day of Midian.” Harvest‑and‑victory joy (v. 3) flows from God’s decisive intervention (v. 4).

2. Removed the Yoke (Isaiah 9:4) - “For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden…” - Assyrian domination meant population loss, heavy tribute, forced labor, and fear. Isaiah assures a diminished, dispirited remnant that God Himself will repopulate and rejoice His people, then root that joy in a Gideon‑like deliverance (Judges 7) where the odds are stacked so that the glory is God’s alone. What bowed our shoulders in v. 4 will rest on His shoulder in v. 6. The prophet teaches Israel to read their rescue: joy is the evidence, broken yokes are the cause.

If your joy feels thin, do not fake a smile—find the Savior. Real joy rises where Jesus breaks real chains.

Ask the Lord to put His finger on the yoke behind your low joy. Pray specifically for a “Midian moment” this week. Celebrate every evidence of lifted burdens, write it down, testify to a friend, and give God praise “according to the joy in harvest.”

Cross-References: Psalm 126:1-3; Judges 7:2; Nehemiah 8:10.

B. The Burned Boots and Bloodied Garments (Isaiah 9:5)

Isaiah 9:5 HCSB

5 For the trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire.

Peace Established (Isaiah 9:5a) - Every battle boot of the warrior and every garment rolled in blood will be burned for fuel. This is not a pause between wars. It is a picture of permanent peace. Warfare gear becomes kindling. The economy of conflict is shut down. The Light does not just win battles. He ends them. When the Lord gives peace, it is complete. The prophet is assuring them that one day they will not have to fight any longer. There will come a time will wars, turmoils, and tragedies will all come to an end. There will be a time when their enemies and oppressors will not rage any longer.

2. Parade of the End (Isaiah 9:5b) - In the ancient Near East, victory parades often displayed captured weapons and stained garments. Burning military gear signaled the close of hostilities and the security of a new order. Isaiah promises a day when the symbols of oppression are destroyed, not stored. The Messiah will inaugurate a peace that reaches even into the closets of soldiers and the warehouses of kings.

Christ does more than calm skirmishes. At the cross He disarmed principalities and powers and made a show of them openly. His peace is not a thin truce. It is a blood-bought reality that changes hearts, homes, and histories.

What battle gear are you storing in your spirit? Old grudges, sharp words, silent treatments. Lay them on the altar. Ask the Holy Spirit to light a holy bonfire in your heart. Make the call, send the text, have the conversation, and choose the way of peace.

Cross-References: Psalm 46:9; Micah 4:3; Colossians 2:15

III. Exalted Ruler (Isaiah 9:6–7)

A. Sovereign Son and Superlative Names (Isaiah 9:6)

Isaiah 9:6 HCSB

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.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." The first clause points to true humanity. The second clause points to divine initiative and eternal Sonship. The government shall be upon His shoulder. What bowed our shoulders in verse 4 is borne by His in verse 6. Then Isaiah crowns Him with four throne names: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. These are not mere adjectives. His titles are truth for your trouble and strength for your steps. They are royal titles that reveal His wisdom, power, care, and peacemaking rule. The Light is not an idea. The Light is a Person who rules. 1) Wonderful Counselor (Hebrew: Peleʾ Yoʿetz)

Meaning: “Wonderful” means miraculous, beyond ordinary. “Counselor” means wise strategist and trusted guide. Together: the One whose wisdom is supernatural and whose plans never fail.

Significance for Jesus: He embodies God’s wisdom in person. He speaks with authority, reads hearts, and directs steps perfectly. In Him are “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3; John 7:46).

Pastoral handle: When you do not know what to do, ask Him for wisdom and obey what He says in His Word. Pray James 1:5 this week and follow.

2) Mighty God (Hebrew: ʾEl Gibbor)

Meaning: “God, the Warrior” or “God the Powerful One.” The same title is used of the Lord in Isaiah 10:21.

Significance for Jesus: This is a direct claim to deity. Jesus is not only from God. He is God the Son, able to save, to fight for His people, and to conquer every enemy, including sin, death, and the devil (John 1:1; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 19:11–16).

Pastoral handle: Bring Him the battles you cannot win. Name the bondage, then trust His strong arm. Pray Psalm 24:8 over your home.

3) Everlasting Father (Hebrew: ʾAvi ʿAd)

Meaning: Literally “Father of Eternity.” In royal language it describes the King as a lasting, father-like protector and provider for His people.

Significance for Jesus: This does not collapse the Trinity. Isaiah is not saying the Son is the Father as a Person. He is saying the Messiah rules with fatherly care that never ends. Jesus keeps, guards, and gives eternal life to His flock (John 10:28–29; Psalm 103:13).

Pastoral handle: When you feel orphaned or insecure, rest in the Shepherd-King who will not abandon you. Cast your cares on Him and receive His steady care.

4) Prince of Peace (Hebrew: Sar Shalom)

Meaning: “Prince” is ruler or captain. “Peace” is shalom: wholeness, harmony, right relationship with God and others.

Significance for Jesus: He makes peace by the blood of His cross, reconciles us to God, and creates a people who live in His peace now and will enjoy perfect peace in His kingdom forever (Isaiah 53:5; John 14:27; Ephesians 2:14–16).

Pastoral handle: Surrender the throne of your heart to Him. Let His peace govern your mind, your words, and your relationships. Practice Philippians 4:6–7 daily.

In the ancient Near East, royal enthronements often included throne names that described a king’s mission. Yet no Davidic king ever wore names like these. Wonderful Counselor signals supernatural strategy. Mighty God declares divine warrior strength. Everlasting Father speaks to covenant care and kingly compassion for subjects. Prince of Peace promises comprehensive shalom. Isaiah lifts the hearers beyond any ordinary heir to a Messianic King who is both fully human and truly divine.

We do not need a consultant. We need a Counselor. We do not need a mascot. We need the Mighty God. We do not need a temporary guardian. We need an Everlasting Father. We do not need a fragile ceasefire. We need the Prince of Peace. His name is Jesus.

Call on His names this week. When you are confused, pray to the Wonderful Counselor. When you feel overwhelmed, lean on the Mighty God. When you feel abandoned, rest in the Everlasting Father. When you feel torn, submit to the Prince of Peace. Speak His names over your home and watch hope rise.

Cross-References: Isaiah 7:14; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9

B. Sure Seat and Spreading Shalom (Isaiah 9:7)

Isaiah 9:7 HCSB

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 Hosts will accomplish this.

Covenant Confirmed (Isaiah 9:7a-b) - God keeps His word even when kings fail. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end." His reign does not plateau or sunset. He cannot be voted out of power. His rule is always advancing. He sits upon the throne of David, establishing and upholding it with judgment and justice from now even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The certainty is anchored in God’s passion for His own promises. Eternal rule. Expanding peace. Righteous administration. Divine guarantee.

Continued Celebration (Isaiah 9:7c) - This language reaches back to the covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7. Israel’s kings rose and fell, but God’s covenant did not. Isaiah speaks to a people who had seen thrones topple and borders shrink. He points them to a King whose dominion grows and whose peace deepens. In the fullness of time Jesus, the Son of David, fulfilled this word. The Church experiences the spread of His peace now, and the world will see its fullness when He returns.

Hope is not anchored in election cycles or market cycles. Hope is anchored in a throne that cannot be overthrown and in a King whose peace will not run out.

Plant your plans under His government. Pray for His justice to shape your decisions, His peace to fill your home, and His zeal to fuel your service. Join the increase of His kingdom by sharing the gospel with one person this week.

Cross-References: 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Luke 1:32-33; Daniel 7:14

We have walked with Isaiah from gloom to glory. We have heard a promise, we have tasted joy, we have watched the Lord break the yoke, we have bowed before the Child who is King. Now hear this word in your heart and let it ring until the shadows scatter.

The Light still shines. When fear crowds your mind, say it. The Light still shines. When sin stalks your steps, say it. The Light still shines. When the night feels long and the way feels lost, say it again until your soul believes it. The Light still shines.

He shines in the hospital room. He shines in the empty chair at the table. He shines in the courtroom and the classroom. He shines in the valley of the shadow and He shines on the mountaintop. He shines in Gainesville. He shines in your house. He shines right now in this room. The Light still shines.

His name is Jesus. Wonderful Counselor when you need wisdom. Mighty God when you need strength. Everlasting Father when you need a safe place. Prince of Peace when your world is at war. Lift your head and lift your voice. The Light still shines.

And because the Light still shines, the door is still open, the grace is still greater, the cross is still enough, and the tomb is still empty. If you will come to Him, He will receive you. If you will call on Him, He will answer you. If you will trust Him, He will save you. The Light still shines.

Gospel Invitation

Jesus Christ, the Promised Light, came for you. He lived the life you could not live, died the death you should have died, and rose with power to save. If you will turn from your sin and trust in Him, He will forgive you, make you new, and bring you into His kingdom of peace.

How to respond right now

Admit you need a Savior. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.”

Confess Him as Lord. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.”

Prayer you can pray “Lord Jesus, I come out of the darkness and into Your light. I admit I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believe You died for me and rose again. I confess You as my Lord and I receive You as my Savior. Take my life, forgive my sins, fill me with Your Spirit, and lead me from this day forward. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer, step out now. Come forward and tell one of our counselors, “I am coming to the Light.” If you are ready to be baptized or to join this church family, come. If you need prayer, come. Church, stretch your hands and pray while they come. The Light still shines.