Advent-Christmas Devotions
Monday, December 22
Isaiah 9:2-7
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied exultation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders,
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Great will be his authority,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
“… 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. …”
While the image given us by Isaiah may be disturbing, it is offered as a symbol of peace – the end of the conflict. The boots of the tramping warriors being burned signifies an end to the endless stream of soldiers destroying and plundering wherever they went. The garments also being burned reveal an end to the fighting as those who have shed their blood will need to do so no more. It is a prophecy of peace.
Hence, the darkness of the warfare is over. The One to bring peace is coming. Jesus, the Prince of Peace. His dominion will be one absent the conflicts, violence, and destruction. Warriors will be no more. The shedding of blood will cease. The land will revel in the peace God offers.
Of course, we recognize this is the prophet’s vision of the kingdom of God. Unfortunately, while we’d like to have the kingdom in its fullness now, we only get glimpses of it. Yet, it does break into the world as we seek to live nonviolently and peacefully with others. While it may not bring an end to the wars, conflicts, and violence in the world, it can do so to our own little corner of it. When we practice peacemaking, and encourage others to do the same, the darkness is pushed back and the light of God’s grace shines through.
Prayer ; Come, Prince of Peace, and cast out the darkness of violence, conflict, and war. Teach me to be a peacemaker in my family, my community, and the world, and inspire me to encourage others toward peace. Amen.