A Thrill of HopeSample

Here lies the heart of Isaiah’s prophecy: salvation comes through a child.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Centuries before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah spoke hope into a time of darkness and despair. The northern regions of Israel — Zebulun and Naphtali — had been devastated by war and oppression. Yet Isaiah declared that the very place once filled with gloom would see a great light.

“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.” (Isaiah 9:2, ESV)

When Jesus began His ministry, He did so in Galilee— the same region Isaiah spoke about. Matthew tells us this fulfilled the ancient promise (Matthew 4:12–16). God was making a clear statement: His light shines most brightly where the darkness is deepest.

Jesus, the eternal Son of God, was given as a gift to humanity. Not the kind of gift found under a tree, but a profound, life-changing one: God Himself stepping into our world as a vulnerable baby. His people were expecting salvation to come through a warrior king, not a helpless infant. They imagined deliverance through power, not through humility.

Yet this child grew up to walk among us— to laugh, weep, and suffer as we do, and to bring light, peace and hope to all who would receive Him. In Jesus, Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled and power is redefined: true strength is found in humility, vulnerability, and love.

God’s true gift to us, which we remember each Christmas, is that Jesus came to take upon Himself the punishment our sin deserved. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, the dividing wall of hostility between us and our Heavenly Father is torn down.

Today, ponder this: Where do you feel the shadows closing in? In your mind, your relationships, or perhaps in the life of another? Invite God’s light, His love, and presence into this situation. Because Jesus has come near, despair no longer has the final word.

The same Jesus who stepped into Galilee’s darkness now steps into ours, bringing freedom, forgiveness, and peace that endures.

Think about where God might be calling you to incarnate His presence, light and love to others. Pull out your phone and text them an encouragement, a prayer or perhaps even today’s scripture!