It's All About Context (Isaiah 9:1-7)

Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat welcome a new guest to their weekly Narrative Lectionary conversation. Listen in as they talk with Minister Nordia Bennett, Interim Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, as she shares about the sermon she will be preaching and the context both in the text and in the room this Sunday at Riverside.Isaiah 9:1-7But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.The people who walked in darknesshave seen a great light;those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.You have multiplied exultation;you have increased its joy;they rejoice before youas with joy at the harvest,as people exult when dividing plunder.For the yoke of their burdenand the bar across their shoulders,the rod of their oppressor,you have broken as on the day of Midian.For all the boots of the tramping warriorsand all the garments rolled in bloodshall be burned as fuel for the fire.For a child has been born for us,a son given to us;authority rests upon his shoulders,and he is namedWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Great will be his authority,and there shall be endless peacefor the throne of David and his kingdom.He will establish and uphold itwith justice and with righteousnessfrom this time onward and forevermore.The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.