The Hope Foretold
Isaiah 9:2-7 (NASB 2020 edition)
2 The people who walk in darkness
Will see a great light;
Those who live in a dark land,
The light will shine on them.
3 You will multiply the nation,
You will increase their joy;
They will rejoice in Your presence
As with the joy of harvest,
As people rejoice when they divide the spoils.
4 For You will break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders,
The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.
5 For every boot of the marching warrior in the roar of battle,
And cloak rolled in blood,
Will be for burning, fuel for the fire.
6 For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.
REFLECTION
Isaiah’s words were written to people in exile, struggling to make sense of their suffering.
They were trapped in darkness.
Their situation must have felt hopeless.
Have you ever felt hopeless?
The darkness of this world can often make us feel so.
Yet, Isaiah promises that this will not be the final word. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). This light is not just a distant flicker of hope - it is the birth of a child who will embody God’s peace, justice, and restoration. His name will be “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This is no ordinary hope - it’s a promise that God Himself will step into human history to rescue us.
Imagine a prisoner who has sat in darkness for years, suddenly seeing sunlight flood the room as the door swings open. This is the kind of hope Isaiah points to - a hope that breaks through despair. Advent invites us to remember that God’s promises are not passive, and they are completely trustworthy. Jesus has already come to bring light to the world, and He calls us to carry that light into dark spaces today.
Where are the dark places in your life, your city, or your relationships? This Advent, we are invited to join Christ’s mission by becoming agents of His light. When we offer a word of encouragement, extend forgiveness and share the gospel in word and deed we reflect the light of Christ to those walking in darkness and point to the great hope of all creation.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are the light that breaks into the darkness. Help me to rest in the hope of Your reign, knowing that You bring wisdom, peace, and justice. Shine Your light in the world through me today, that others may see Your goodness. Amen.
Written by the Rev. Isaac Lasky (Thailand), Prior of the Missional Base in Asia and Director of the GAP Program.
