“You will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod.” – Isaiah 9:4
As December drew near, I felt not joyful anticipation but dread. The shopping, the baking, and the decorating weighed me down—just adding to the many commitments I already had. I wanted to ponder the God who became a man but instead wondered how I would get everything done.
When I read through a passage from the prophet Isaiah about the coming Messiah, I noticed some often overlooked verses. God promised His people that He would enlarge the nation and increase their joy (Isaiah 9:3, NIV); He would shatter “the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. [He would] break the oppressor’s rod” (v.4). He would usher in a new government: “For a child is born to us… And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (v.6).
As I considered the gift of Jesus being a fulfilment of God’s prophecy, I also thought how gracious God was to set His people free from oppression and conflict. I knew He could release me from the bar across my shoulders—the weight of my many commitments.
Although being too busy pales when compared with God’s release of the Israelites, even so He gives me wisdom and help. God wants us to enjoy His freedom both now and later. As we embrace His Son as our Wonderful Counselor, He as the Prince of Peace will usher us into an abiding peace.
– Amy Boucher Pye
Are there any activities that easily distract you during Christmas? Do you long to refocus on the true meaning of Christmas? What can help you find quiet and focus?
Loving God, thank You for sending Jesus to bring light and life to this world of darkness, enabling us to find true freedom and peace. You know the weariness of my heart and the burdens on my shoulders. Help me to learn to rest in you even in the midst of my busyness, so that I can experience your presence and guidance in the challenges of each day. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!
“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. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
These 5 devotionals are selected from the booklet, "A Gift for All”. We invite you to read the entire 10-day devotional—10 minutes a day—for deeper reflection and prayer.