Tim Morrow

One of the most familiar Old Testament scriptures concerning the coming Messiah is Isaiah 9:6, which begins, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given …” Many of us will hear those verses read in our church in and around Christmas. Chapter 9 is a message in the midst of a chaotic time for Israel and the surrounding area. Fear and anguish gripped many because of the looming Assyrian invasion from the north. But in the beginning of chapter 9 Isaiah prophesied about a hope to come. Verse 1 says, “But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish.” He continues in verse 2, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Isaiah was telling of a hope for God’s people beyond deliverance from a foreign invader. He was speaking of a deliverer who would bring a peace, of which, “will be no end,” says Isaiah 9:7.

Some 800 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, Isaiah was seeing the hope that was to come. It’s what Peter spoke of when he said the prophets of old told of the “grace that was to be yours,” says I Peter 1:10. When we hear Isaiah 9 read this year, let us remember that our greatest need is not perfect health, perfect government or perfect lifestyles. Our greatest need is perfect peace. Isaiah was telling Israel, telling us, that the deliverer they needed was the one who comes to bring peace between us and God. The only real peace, lasting peace, unending peace, comes through Jesus Christ, the Messiah. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid,” says John 14:27.

We receive that peace by placing our faith and trust in Christ Jesus and what he came to accomplish. He accomplished our salvation by dying on a cross to take the full weight and punishment for all the sins of anyone who receives him as lord and savior. Then, he rose from the dead, showing the father was fully satisfied with his son’s work, and declaring for all eternity that he is the Messiah. This Christmas, let us remember where the source of all this peace we talk about in our churches is truly from … Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace!

Merry Christmas!

(Tim Morrow is the pastor of New Life Church of Powell.)