Hope, Joy, and a Forever King by Rush Witt

So often at this time of year, we need clarity. It seems so easy for us to miss it. As I reflect on Isaiah 9:1–7 while looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior, I need a fresh reminder of what Christmas really means and what Jesus has done for our world. At the center of Christmas, at the center of what Jesus has done for us, there is joy.

But first we must grapple with the darkness that fills the world and so many hearts. Isaiah 9 begins this way: “Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times.” Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a people in darkness and despair. Zebulun and Naphtali were regions facing hardship, invasion, oppression, and suffering. But because this text looks forward to what Christ would do for the whole world, it becomes a picture of every person living in a fallen world. This is a world full of sorrow, brokenness, oppression, sadness, loss, and sin. It is a dark place, full of despair.

But that darkness magnifies what Jesus Christ has done. Jesus entered the dark world of a sinful people like us. We wrestle with the world, the flesh, and the devil. We see the darkness in the world, and we see it in ourselves. We are bent by temptation and unable to save ourselves. We need saving grace, and we have it in our Savior. When everyone else runs away, Jesus enters the darkness.

Colossians 1 tells us that God has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son. John 3 reminds us that we loved darkness rather than light because our deeds were evil. And 2 Corinthians 4 describes a world blinded by the god of this age. Yet Jesus Christ brings hope where there is despair. He rescues us from darkness and gives us a true and lasting hope which breaks us free.

But Christmas is not only about hope. It is also about joy. Isaiah 9:2–3 says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light . . . . You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy.”

The picture of people walking in darkness describes real life apart from Christ—a life devoid of guidance, hope, and lasting happiness. But a great light has dawned on the world. That light is Christ. He does not simply help us see; he gives us something to rejoice in. Isaiah describes joy like harvest joy and victory joy. It is a picture of satisfaction and fullness.

Jesus himself says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” That is the light of joy. It is real belonging and real care. When light comes, fear gives way to relief. That only happens when we come to terms with our need. The turning point is need—recognizing that we are walking in darkness and cannot find our own way. When we feel that, we cry out for grace.

Isaiah says God has increased their joy. Joy and happiness are not different things in Scripture. Jesus Christ was happy to go to the cross, for the joy set before him. The gospel is the gospel of happiness. Charles Spurgeon said “The gospel is the gospel of the happy God. God himself is full of joy, and he invites us to share in it.”

We sing it every Christmas: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” Isaac Watts wrote those words despite a life marked by hardship and suffering. Christians are not people without problems. The world, the flesh, and the devil remain realities. But we can have real happiness in the midst of darkness because Christ has come.

That joy is secure because Jesus rules. His kingdom is radically different from the kingdom of darkness. Isaiah continues with these famous words, “For a child will be born to us . . . and the government will be on his shoulders” (Isaiah 9:6). He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. He works wonders. He reigns with power. He brings protection, belonging, care, and peace.

Verse 7 brings it to a close: “The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end” (Isaiah 9:7) His Kingdom is sustained with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. All other kings die. Our King reigns eternally.

Christmas is just the beginning, for in a great and final Day, he will wipe away every tear, and death, grief, crying, and pain will be no more. New things will come, old things will pass away, and he will do it all by the beaming light of his salvation. These are the truths we carry with us as we celebrate: hope in the darkness, joy in the light, and a King who reigns forever.