The lectionary suggests the text parameters begin with verse
2. The Hebrew Bible even lists verse 1 as the final verse of chapter 8. However,
we see verse 1 serving as transition from the ominous judgment of chapter
8, where the people are “distressed and hungry . . . enraged . . . curs[ing]
king and [God, NIV] . . . see[ing] only distress and darkness” (8:21-22).
The “former time” (9:1) of God’s judgment will give way to
a “latter time” of God’s salvation. The prophet announces salvation
for “people who walked in darkness” (v. 2). The promise of a coming
ruler has as its immediate fulfillment the birth of Hezekiah, the new Davidic
king who will reverse the failed policies of his father, King Ahaz. But, more
to the point, the poem declares the powerful intention of Yahweh of Hosts
(v. 7) to bring light and life to a people in darkness. Thus, the Church joyfully
reads this promise as fulfilled in the coming of Jesus, the Light of the World.
The poem is structured as a hymn of thanksgiving. Verses 2-3
describe the situation of darkness and the deliverance wrought by God’s
light. Verses 4-7 give us three reasons to give thanks, each introduced by
the word “For” (vv. 4, 5, and 6). The rod of the oppressor is broken,
the enemy’s battle garments are incinerated, and a child has been born.
It is the announcement of the birth of this “child” that is the
great source of Advent joy. His royal names assure us that He will meet all
needs and surpass all expectations. This is the promise we long for—Light
that overcomes our darkness.
Darkness evokes a number of images. From the first chapter of
the Bible, it speaks of the chaos and disorder of life and all creation outside
of God’s reign. Darkness is a realm of fear, disorientation, and death.
Darkness describes the heart of a rebellious people who have turned away from
God. Isaiah has already diagnosed their vulnerability: “Jerusalem has
stumbled and Judah has fallen . . . They have brought evil on themselves”
(3:8-9). Into this hopeless situation, God’s prophet speaks.
The remedy for darkness is light—and the poem boldly announces
the dawning of a new day. The Child born is God’s gracious gift that
overcomes the disorienting effects of darkness. For the confused and stumbling,
the Child is Miracle Adviser (Wonderful Counselor)—showing us the way.
For those hopelessly trapped, the Child is Divine Warrior (Mighty God)—fighting
for us with God’s prevailing power. For those shivering in loneliness,
the Child is Everlasting Father—never leaving or forsaking us. For those
crying anxiously, the Child is Prince of Peace—fortressing fearful hearts
with His righteous rule. Whatever our need, a Child is born for us, a Son
is given to us.
Matthew reports that Jesus settled in Capernaum, in the territory
of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet
Isaiah might be fulfilled (Matthew 4:13-16). Without apology, Matthew announces
what the Church confesses, that in Jesus Christ “the people walking in
darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2, NIV). Our deepest needs
(“the hopes and fears of all the years”) are met in the gracious
gift of Yahweh of Hosts—a Child.
What do you do when the lights go out? Typically, we stumble
in disorientation, feeling anxious and isolated. Depending on our age, or
the depths of our darkness, we may cry out in terror or dread. Darkness has
a paralyzing effect on us. In contrast, dawn is an occasion for great joy.
Hope is born as our eyes awaken to the light of day. As a hymn of thanksgiving
this text invites us to rejoice in the gift of the Child who meets us in all
our need. As a prophetic birth announcement the text invites those who are
still in the darkness to move out of despair and death into joy and life.
“For a child has been born for us, a son [has been] given to us”
(v. 6). The darkness no longer rules the day. We are now a people of the light.
Therefore, we are bold to say with the prophet, “Come, let us walk in
the light of the Lord!” (2:5).
(For a complete manuscript of this sermon, go to www.preachersmagazine.org.)
Open the sermon with a story that narrates an experience of
disorientation when the lights go out. Use this story as analogous to the
situation in which Israel finds herself under Assyrian threat—full of
fear, stumbling in the dark, unsure of her future. “Darkness” becomes
the controlling metaphor for connecting with the desperate situations of the
contemporary audience.
The birth announcement of verse 6 is the light that breaks through
the darkness. Each of the royal names describes one of the ways that this
Child delivers us from the dread of darkness. Use one or more of these names
to show how this Promised One meets us at our deepest need.
The sermon concludes in confident joy and praise. The power of darkness is no match for the Light of the World. The congregation no longer sits in the darkness. The Light has dawned upon us. Let us confidently stand, joyfully sing, and faithfully walk in the light of the Lord.
