The prophet Isaiah foresaw so much in his visions from the Lord. Among his prophecies were several concerning the Messiah, whom we Christians recognize as Jesus Christ. During our Advent preparation, I want to show Jesus through the eyes of Isaiah, who saw it all, from Christ's birth to his life to his death to the reign of the Messianic age.
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. . .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.
This classic Advent scripture is paired with other quotations in Isaiah that prophesy the emergence of the Messiah, who comes from the stump of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1). In reading this afresh, I'm struck by the names of Christ that include his divinity - Mighty God and Everlasting Father. This scripture may appear to be focused on a man becoming an earthly king, but it shows that he is a heavenly king becoming a man.
Blogger Lauren Thell writes, "I grew up on a farm, where I was the undisputed shepherdess. I loved my sheep and they came to love me back as much as lowly sheep can. . .But never once did I wish I could become one. Yet, Jesus did exactly that for us. . .Couldn’t the God of the universe devise a way that didn’t require him to get his hands dirty? Maybe, but getting his hands dirty was the point."
It's comforting to know that God through Jesus experienced what we experience. If we feel tempted, Jesus knew that feeling. If we feel betrayed by friends and family, Jesus knew that as well. He knew pain, sorrow, and grief as well as happiness, friendship, and the physical and emotional benefits of a good meal shared with others.
It all started with a son's birth, which we celebrate at Christmas and for which prepare ourselves during Advent. Just as a family must make room in their house for a baby, let us make room in our hearts for Christ's arrival.
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