306 Third Friday of Advent: Prophecy of the Messiah
Isaiah 9:6-7
“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.”
On the third Friday of Advent, we remember Isaiah's prophecy of the Savior's coming. The ornament for today should represent Isaiah's prophecy, such as a sun or the dawn. Isaiah 9:2-7 is a well-known passage in the book of Isaiah that prophesies the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom. It is a message of hope and salvation for the people of Israel.
The passage begins with the words, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." This signifies the hope and deliverance that will come to those who are living in spiritual darkness and despair. Isaiah goes on to describe the joyous occasion of the Messiah's arrival, comparing it to the joy of harvest or the spoils of war. The people's burdens will be lifted, and their oppressors will be defeated. The Messiah will bring freedom, peace, and justice to the land.
The prophecy continues by describing the child who will be born, saying, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This child is none other than the promised Messiah, who will be invested with authority and bring divine wisdom, power, and peace to the world.
Isaiah further explains that the Messiah's kingdom will know no end. He will establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
The passage in Isaiah 9:2-7 is a message of hope and anticipation for the people of Israel. It proclaims the coming of the Messiah, who will bring light into their darkness, freedom from oppression, and establish an eternal kingdom characterized by justice and peace. The birth of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Isaiah's words, as Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who brought salvation to humanity through His life, death, and resurrection.
Overall, Isaiah 9:2-7 is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and His plan to bring hope, salvation, and eternal peace through the promised Messiah. Check out Isaiah 9:2-7 for further reading.
