Day 23-Isaiah 9:1-4; 6

"Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor."


In this prophecy, we can see that the Messiah will come and minister in Galilee, which Jesus certainly did. Also, we see the continued emphasis on God's desire to ease the oppression that burdens His people. Jesus himself said his yoke is easy and his burden is light.

At Christmas time, the hurts and the pains we feel so often seem magnified. I can think of several people who will face hard holidays even as I write this. My prayer for you is that you are able to cast those burdens upon the Prince of Peace, who has shattered the opression you feel, and provides the peace that is past understanding.

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.