Hope is a very powerful gift to give someone. It sustains people in difficult times and points them to something greater than their current circumstances. But when hope is taken away, it can leave someone feeling lost and broken. 

Vincent van Gogh, one of history’s most renowned artists is an example to us all of what life is like when we lose hope. Van Gogh struggled with his mental health and became worse throughout the years as he struggled with failed relationships, loneliness, and financial instability. He often relied on his brother, Theo, for emotional and financial support. But in 1890, at the age of 37, Vincent Van Gogh walked into a field in France and shot himself. He died two days later from his injuries. In his final letter to his brother Theo, Vincent wrote, “The sadness will last forever.”

We all know what it’s like to lose hope in this life. What have you lost hope in? The government? Your political party? The Church? Your child coming back to the Lord? Your relationship with your spouse? That job promotion you applied for months ago? Have you lost hope in your idea of a flourishing world? What have you lost hope in?

Take heart. Hope is alive.

1 Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, When at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, Beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: They that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: They joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, And as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, And garments rolled in blood; But this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of hisgovernment and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:1–7

In these verses Isaiah spoke of the coming Deliverer/Rescuer/Savior who will effect the changes in the nation of which the prophet had been speaking. The Messiah’s coming will lead the nation into joy and prosperity, which had been lacking for years. 

Sounds just like some of us at times doesn’t it? When there isn’t much hope, we often lack joy and we often don’t feel very prosperous. And this feeling usually lasts longer than we would like. Days. Months. For some, even years.

But this Rescuer’s coming will fulfill the promises to Abraham and David about the prosperous kingdom. This promised Seed will grow up to be the Deliverer (9:7), not a sign (8:18) of deliverance, but the Deliverer Himself. He will effect the changes necessary for prosperity and spirituality to come again to the nation of Israel.

But, watch this now, Israel is losing hope. But, why? They were told earlier in the Scriptures that they were chosen by God. That they were God’s people. How could God’s people be losing hope?

• They were God’s people, but they spent their first 400 years in slavery in an Egyptian Empire slaving away every single day with no rest.
• They were God’s people, but they wondered in the desert for 40 years.
• They were God’s people, but giants occupied the land God had promised to them.
• They were God’s people, but Assyria would capture them.
• They were God’s people, but Babylon would capture them.
• They were God’s people, but in the New Testament, Rome would then seize power over them.

Much of their history as God’s people has been oppression.

But here is the issue they had:

Israel allowed their current circumstances to dictate the promise of their hope.

In Isaiah 9:1, much of their issues occurred beyond Jordan, in Galilee. This northern portion of Israel became an Assyrian province under Tiglath-Pileser III, thus humbling the people there and putting them in gloom.

But guess whose upbringing and early ministry was mostly in that very area near the Sea of Galilee? Jesus.

The place of Israel’s troubles would also be the place God’s presence dwells.

Here’s the reality of your situation:

Hope doesn’t lie in the absence of struggles, but in the presence of God.

Look at Isaiah 9:2.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light:
They that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Isaiah 9:2

Because of Assyrian rule, the people lived in gloom. In despair. But God says for the people living in great darkness, that they will have shined upon them a great light. And the result of that great light that God shines down will bring joy.

 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

Isaiah 9:4

This Messiah will come, and the implements of warfare will be destroyed because in His reign of universal peace implements of war will not be needed.

But, Who is this Messiah, and thus the center of hope for the world?

Is it a president? A pastor? A governor? A political party? The United States of America?

No. 

It’s a child.

 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Wonderful — this child-Messiah will be distinguished. Different than anyone you’ve ever known or will know.

Counseller — the people will gladly listen to Him as the authoritative One. People will be anxious to hear his teachings.

The mighty God — He is more than just a strong man-child, he is also God himself incarnate. 

Ever Lasting Father — The Messiah will be a fatherly ruler who has existed for all time.

Prince of Peace — This Child will bring in and maintain peace when the nation is properly related to the Lord.

And the good news of Christmas is this: He’s come. Hope is Here. Hope is alive in Jesus Christ alone.

A few reflection questions for the week:

1. What have I allowed to shape my hope? God’s promises or my problems?
2. What confusion, fear, or discouragement am I walking in that I need Christ’s light to bring clarity or strength to?
3. How has God been present in the same places where I have felt the most pain? What is He trying to teach me?
4. Which part of Jesus’ identity (Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) do I need most in my current situation?