After the darkness comes the dawn of a new day. This passage is a Messianic prophecy of the coming of a wonderful savior. A child is born, and a son is given. Even though a child is powerless and immature, the Bible puts great hope in the birth of such a child. Jesus came as a baby in a manger. He was born in the midst of struggle and oppression, in obscurity from the world. Yet he became the Lord of a kingdom that extends beyond physical borders and the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

For those who live in a place of deep darkness and shadow, Jesus is the light of dawn. He reaches out to those in the pits of humanity to bring them out of despair. Our Lord is the everlasting Lord who establishes justice and righteousness in a broken and fallen world. He cares for the marginalized, lonely, and despised. He establishes justice for the abused, the enslaved, and the neglected. He is full of zeal to accomplish this. His love and passion for humanity gives hope to all.


Application: Lord, you sent your son as a baby in a manger to be a ray of hope in dark times. Thank you for your great love and zeal to save me.
One Word: To us a child is born.