The people who are now living in darkness
will see a great light.
They are now living in a very dark land.
But a light will shine on them.
Isaiah 9:2
We left off last month in dire need, knowing we cannot save ourselves from the sin and death we have inherited from our first parents (Adam and Eve), and continue to grasp for no matter how hard we try.
But we also know this is not the end.
We know that the Creator did not turn from his people in their need, but he stepped into his own
creation–the author became part of his own story.
The biggest victory in the whole world began with the sound of a baby’s cries. Christ the Savior was
born! The One who created the universe made himself a tiny baby, and came to live with his people, to walk beside them, to carry their burdens, to show them what God was like. One day, this baby would grow to bear their sin, and eventually would rescue the whole world from sin, Satan, and death.
The Savior has come.
And he’s coming again.
The people of the Old Testament waited a long time for the Savior to come, hoping on the promises God gave to Adam and Eve, to Noah, to Abraham, to David. Hoping on the promises of the prophets. Isaiah was one such prophet, who described the coming Savior as Immanuel (God with us), as the coming Light, as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
We wait too. We reenact this waiting for Jesus’ birth every December in the season of Advent. We also wait for Jesus to return again, for while he has already crushed the head of the snake and made it possible for us to be with God, he has not yet come in final victory to restore the world.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that we do not wait in vain?
Christmas is coming.
Jesus is coming.
Additional Scriptures:
Isaiah 40:1-11
Luke 1-2