Behold, a Child Born of a Virgin is Born of a Promise
baby whose birth we celebrate today.
Isaiah says that we will see a great light. Notice that he says a great light, not just any light or a faint light. It is a light that dispels all shadows-even the shadow of death! This light has dawned. I'm sure you've been awake at day break and seen the dawning light. There is no greater sight! Darkness is dispelled when that first light of day breaks.
Isaiah tells us that baby will enlarge the nation. Yes, Isaiah is saying the Gospel message is not just for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob but it is for all people. Isaiah tells us we will rejoice as soldiers rejoice in the plunder of their enemies. Today we have rules of war so we don't really understand what Isaiah speaks of here. But in Isaiah's day soldiers didn't get hefty salaries. They were poorly paid. They were able to take plunder from vanquished enemies, however. This was their commission, so to speak. It provided incentive to fight and defend one's country. And when one could retrieve such treasure their was great rejoicing! Especially when the booty was from an oppressor.
And the fighting? Isaiah points out that the boots used in battle and the garments soaked in blood will be fuel for the fire. When a soldier died, his clothes were usually burned. In this picture Isaiah tells us our enemy is dead. Our enemy is no longer a threat.
But who carries out this liberation that gives us light, dispels shadows, removes our burden, and fights our battle to a positive solution? Behold, a Child Born of a Virgin is Born of a Promise. This Child Rules in Our Hearts.
Isaiah prophesies about the baby whose birth we celebrate today. In chapter 7 Isaiah tells us "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." In today's text Isaiah goes further by telling us who the child is and what the child will do. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder." This baby will be the appointed ruler who will serve as the government serves its people. Jesus will defend us from Satan's attacks and he will rule in our hearts in justice and mercy.
Isaiah continues by telling us what Jesus will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
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