Read Isaiah 9:2-5
Discover
1. What imagery does Isaiah use in these verses to depict Israel’s victory?
2. What repeated words show that God fulfills His promises?
3. What kind of slavery and oppression do you think Israel expected to be freed from?
Respond
While Israel was enslaved to several nations over the course of history, the slavery and oppression Jesus came to break was the true enemy of everyone, Satan. Satan’s main work is as a liar. He tells us lies about others, about ourselves, and about God. Where has he been working to tell you lies about one or more of these? Remember the truth today that our battle is never against other people. Ask for God’s discernment to see any lies of the enemy and then thank Him for coming to give you freedom from the slavery of sin and evil.
For Further Response: Sing O Holy Night, connecting the words of the song to our passage. Rejoice.
For Families with Kids at Home
As Isaiah prophesied, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.” As you look at Christmas lights today, talk with your family about what it means for Jesus to be the light of the world, and ask your kids how they might also shine Jesus’ light in a dark world. (If you haven’t already, check out Traders Point’s Family Christmas Guide for more ideas on how to talk about Jesus with your family Christmas traditions).