Christmas 2016: For To Us a Child Is Born

Scripture References: Isaiah 9:1-7; Judges 7Intro: Welcome to this sermon! Due to unexpected circumstances (our scheduled preacher is ill), I'm stepping in – a reminder that life rarely goes according to our plans. Especially during seasons filled with expectations, like Christmas, we often face frustration when things don't unfold as envisioned. Like my daughter stressing over her disrupted birthday party plan, we cling to control. But there's good news! Isaiah 9 reveals God has a plan – one for our joy, peace, and a new King, even when our own plans fall apart.Key Points:God's Plan Amidst Our Chaos: Life is unpredictable. Plans change, expectations are unmet, leading to disappointment. However, God has an unwavering plan centered on bringing light, joy, peace, and His righteous rule into our lives through Jesus Christ.Light Shines in Unexpected Places (Isa 9:1-2): Isaiah prophesies that light will dawn in Galilee (Zebulun/Naphtali) – regions historically despised, trampled by invaders, seemingly insignificant ("Galilee of the nations"). This shows God often brings His greatest blessings through unexpected places and people. Those who recognize their darkness will be drawn to His light.The Result: Increased Joy (Isa 9:3): The coming of this Light (Jesus) brings increased joy. Isaiah compares it to the immense relief and delight of a successful harvest after long toil and the celebratory relief after a victorious battle when dividing the spoil. It's a deep, satisfying joy born from deliverance.The Result: Lasting Peace (Isa 9:4-5): This Light also brings profound peace. The instruments of oppression are broken ("yoke," "staff," "rod"). It's like the "day of Midian," where God miraculously defeated Israel's enemies through Gideon's tiny, strangely-equipped army, causing the enemy to destroy itself. God secures our peace; we can't earn it. The imagery of burning warrior boots signifies the end of conflict.The Source: A Child, A Son, A King (Isa 9:6-7): This joy and peace aren't abstract; they come through a person – "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given." This is Jesus. The government rests on His shoulders. His titles reveal His divine nature and capability:Wonderful Counselor: Perfect wisdom and guidance.Mighty God: Divine power.Everlasting Father: Eternal care and provision.Prince of Peace: The source of true wholeness (shalom). His reign of justice and righteousness will increase and last forever, fulfilling God's promises.Surrender Leads to Peace: Like the speaker's daughter needing to relinquish her party plan, we find peace not by tightening our grip, but by surrendering our plans, expectations, and desire for control to God. We must trust His plan and His chosen King, Jesus, for our true joy and peace.Conclusion: Our plans often fail, leading to stress and disappointment. But God's plan, prophesied by Isaiah and fulfilled in Jesus, does not fail. He offers genuine joy, lasting peace, and perfect leadership through His Son, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Trusting His plan frees us.Call to Action: Are you stressed, trying to force life into your plan? Are you frustrated because people or circumstances aren't cooperating? Recognize God's loving plan revealed in Jesus. Choose today to surrender your need for control, your frustrated expectations, your desire to be 'king'. Open your hands. Ask Jesus to be your Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. Trust the "zeal of the Lord" to bring His joy and peace into your life, starting now. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.