Isaiah 9:1-7 takes us on a journey from darkness to light, revealing how God transforms hopeless situations into celebrations of redemption. We encounter ancient Israel at their lowest point—experiencing God's judgment, overrun by the brutal Assyrian empire, and trapped in cycles of rebellion and idolatry. Yet in the midst of this darkness, God makes an astonishing promise: the gloom will not last forever. What's remarkable is that God speaks of future deliverance in past tense—'the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light'—emphasizing the absolute certainty of His promise. This isn't just ancient history; it's a blueprint for how God works in our lives today. When we find ourselves in seasons of darkness, whether through our own rebellion or life's crushing circumstances, God doesn't abandon us. Instead, He promises light, joy, and peace—not because we deserve it, but because of who He is. The passage climaxes with the prophecy of a child to be born, a son to be given, whose names reveal His character: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This Christmas narrative reminds us that our hope isn't in political solutions or human wisdom, but in a Savior who breaks the yoke of our burdens and establishes an eternal kingdom of righteousness. The zeal of the Lord will accomplish this—we simply get to behold His glory.

Service begins at 9:00 am