Where I’m from, people seem to be filled with joy at Christmastime. It’s a time when Christmas music, both secular and Christian, take over the airwaves to spread the spirit of Christmas cheer. But is that the way the Lord wants us to celebrate His birth? Is it all about bright lights, happy moments, and joyful memories? I think that Christmas should be all of these things, but I also think the true essence of Christmas goes a bit deeper. As Christians, we must acknowledge that there is something wrong with our world before we can celebrate the birth of the One who was sent to save it. Isn’t that why Jesus came in the first place? To uncover this answer, I’m not going to take us through the four gospels—our journey begins long before Mathew, Mark, Luke and John recorded the life and ministry of Jesus. We need to see Christmas through the eyes of the prophet Isaiah.   The Days of Isaiah About 700 years before Christ, Isaiah lived during a time when an evil world power was beginning to spread its dark and destructive influence over the land. Assyria was conquering nation after nation, and tiny little Israel and Judah didn’t seem to stand a chance. The problem in Isaiah’s day was that even as darkness swept in and the armies of Assyria came marching toward them, God’s people turned their backs on the Lord. Isaiah promised that God would save them, but the people, and especially the king, didn’t think they needed Him. Instead, they thought they could make alliances and treaties and compromises. They trusted in man, not God. Isaiah was a prophet who had to tell God’s people about danger. He wanted the people of God to reach out and hold the Lord’s hand and not to trust in other nations or other people … but they didn’t listen. And so they would be led away into exile. Thankfully, that’s not the end of the story. From that exile, God would bring about a new salvation, a new exodus and a life-changing comfort through relationship with him.   For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7   The Messiah is a Branch Throughout the Old Testament, prophets frequently speak about an image of the coming branch, which may seem a little strange. Why were Old Testament prophets so excited about a branch, and not simply concerned with the whole tree? The image comes from a story. Psalm 80 captures this story well as it speaks of the Lord bringing … Continue reading Christmas Through the Eyes of Isaiah