RTW 2023

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.

The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
You will enlarge the nation of Israel,
and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest
and like warriors dividing the plunder.
For you will break the yoke of their slavery
and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod,
just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
The boots of the warrior
and the uniforms bloodstained by war
will all be burned.
They will be fuel for the fire.
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
Isaiah 9:1-6a

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.

Isaiah 40:1

• The people of Judah were living in a time of moral and spiritual darkness.
• Isaiah brought a promise that comfort was coming.
• It would be unexpected.
• It would be a child; a Son.
• The answer for God’s people would not come in strength and power.
• His answer would be weak and small: a baby.
• Jesus was born to us in full humanity.
• Jesus was given to us in full deity.
• Jesus was sent to us with a holy purpose.
• John 3:16-17
• Luke 2:49
• Matthew 3:17
• John 4:34
• Jesus would come to us in flesh as a baby.
• Jesus would be born like those He came to save.
• A Strange Way to Save the World (Feat. Mark Harris) | Christmas at Gateway Church | Gateway Worship

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Remember that God’s answers to our problems rarely fit our plan. Trust His plan.