Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

“The world hopes for the best; but the Lord offers the best hope.” – John Wesley White

I applied to only one college prior to graduating high school – the U. S. Naval Academy. While I prayed that I would be selected to attend this prestigious school, I was also praying that if I was accepted, I would have an assurance and hope in God to see me through to graduation.

Well, I did receive a Congressional appointment, and I did graduate, however, there were many days during those four years that I had to remind myself that God had already promised me “a graduation.” I just needed to trust that all things happening to and around me were working “… together according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him. – Lamentations 3:25 (NKJV)

The prophet Isaiah wrote about the birth and reign of the Prince of Peace over 700 years before Jesus’ birth. Writing during a stormy period in Israel’s history, Isaiah explained God’s impending judgment on a rebellious people, while predicting their rescue and restoration by the same merciful and loving God. God’s continued grace would have nothing to do with their works of righteousness; instead, it would have everything to do with our God who had proven Himself faithful throughout the ages, even when they were faithless.

Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. – 1 Peter 1:13 (NET)

Isaiah tells them a day is on the horizon when people walking and living in darkness will see a great light and they will be drawn to it. This Christmas season provides the ideal opportunity to share this light of joy and hope with others.

EvanTell’s Evangelism Study Bible describes Isaiah 9:6 as “Isaiah’s Portrait of the Messiah.” “…In it, Isaiah says four things about the coming Messiah:

1. For unto us a Child is born – His mission would start off as a baby.

2. Unto us a Son is given – He would be born into the nation of Israel and come in fulfillment of the covenant God made with Abraham.

3. The government will be upon His shoulders – He would be a king over His people and govern the nation.

4. His name will be called – He would be called by many names and known for many characteristics:

• Wonderful – Extraordinary; used throughout the Old Testament, primarily in the Psalms, to describe the Lord’s mighty works on behalf of His people.
• Counselor – One who teaches with authority, bringing words of eternal life and infinite wisdom.
• Mighty God – Powerful and above all, doing what only God can do and eternally conquering evil.
• Everlasting Father – As a fatherly ruler, He forever provides for, protects, guards, and cares for His people.
• Prince of Peace – The true Prince who will reign forever and bring about peace and tranquility to the whole world.

As we look at the description, we should be honored and humbled that God would allow us to share such an awesome Person with unbelievers. What a privilege!”

On my desk at home, I keep this quote from the late Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost:

“…In scripture, “Hope” is never merely a wish or a dream. Hope in scripture is the settled confidence that comes to the child of God who rests by faith in the promises of the Word of God…” – Faith That Endures

On the cross, Jesus said “It is finished!” (John 19:30), because our sin account was settled – paid in full! Although believers can rest by faith in the promises of God because our salvation is assured, we all have friends and relatives who remain restless and feel hopeless.

The Christmas gift that is perfect, this year and every year, arrived in a manger over two thousand years ago when Jesus Christ stepped out of eternity into time to redeem everyone who, by grace alone, through faith alone, will trust in Christ alone to save them.

John 20:30–31 tells us –

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. (NKJV)

Let’s share what we DO know with someone who DOESN’T know the real meaning of one of the most familiar verses in Scripture:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16 (NKJV)

Jesus alone is our hope – present and future!