Hope

Darkness

These words of Isaiah are a prophecy - accurately predicting the future - for the birth of the Messiah - Jesus Christ;

Soanes, C., & Stevenson, A. (Eds.). (2004). Concise Oxford English dictionary (11th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

This is the third prophecy for the birth of a child;

This prophecy came during a time of great devastation as Assyria had invaded Israel - war brings darkness to the area the battle is fought;

However even in darkness there is the hope and promise of a dawning light;

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 9

Though the events were in the future, they are described as if they had already happened.

Even in their darkness there was a promise of joy and rejoicing to those in darkness.

Deliverance

Can you imagine for a moment being in the situation that Israel was in - invaded by an enemy and hopeless to escape their grasp;

Yet an accurate prediction of the future - a prophecy - describes the breaking of yokes and rods of oppression;

Darkness does not have to last forever, light can come again, a deliverance from darkness is available to everyone;

There was a promise of a great light that would cover the darkness, a great power that would break the yokes of bondage to darkness, a great provider of life eternal.

Deliverer

This deliverer would come in the form a child - a baby - a son that would be greater than any could imagine;

He would be called by many names and deliverer many nations an people from bondage - but not necessarily from the bondage they focused on;

Wonderful - God and man

Counselor - intimately acquainted with God’s counsel and shares it with us

Mighty God - He has the wisdom and strength of God

Everlasting Father - He will be forever and ever a great Father

Prince of Peace - He will preserve and create peace.