Extraordinary Peace in Darkness - Isaiah 9:1-14

• Pandemic parallels with the nativity (David Guretzki, Faith Today)

• "In those days the government advised us all to wear masks and told us to stay home until the pandemic was over.”

• “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered…  And all went to be registered, each to his own town.” (Luke 2:1, 3)

1. Shining Light over Ordinary Life. 

• “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (v.2)

• Ordinary vs. Extraordinary

2. Bringing Joy from Deep Within

• “You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.” (v.3)

• Joy – ‘Jesus Overflowing in You’   

a. Joy that brings contentment

•  “In all our affliction, I am overflowing with you.” (2 Corinthians 7:4)

b. Joy that pursues excellence

• “But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!” (Psalm 68:3)

• “Discipleship is joy!” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)