Advent is a season of hope, joy, peace, and love. Therefore, let us prepare our hearts as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and His second coming.

Our scripture reading is from Isaiah 9:6.

Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future, he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at harvest time and when dividing spoils.

For you have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as you did on the day of Midian. For every trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. A child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace.

Advent is a season of hope, joy, peace, and love.

When I think about Advent, I remember a quote by Karl Rahner that reminds us to give thanks and glory to God, "Every year, we celebrate the holy season of Advent, O God. Every year, we pray those beautiful prayers of longing and waiting and sing those lovely songs of hope and promise.

Before I dive into our text, let me put chapters 9:1-6 in the proper context with the Advent season. Chapter 9, verse 1 begins with Nevertheless. To understand why the writer starts the chapter with "nevertheless," we must read chapter 8, verses 19-21.

"Here I am with the children the Lord has given me to be signs and wonders in Israel from the Lord of Armies who dwells on Mount Zion. When they say to you, "Inquire of the mediums and the spiritists who chirp and mutter," shouldn't a people inquire of their God?

Should they ask of the dead on behalf of the living? Go to God's instruction and testimony! There will be no dawn for them if they do not speak according to this word.

They will wander through the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their King and their God. They will look toward the earth and see only distress, darkness, and the gloom of affliction, and they will be driven into thick darkness."

According to culture, it was customary to appeal to the dead for the living. How can a dead man help you?

Isaiah warns the church about seeking guidance from mediums and familiar spirits when you find yourself in despair, anxiety, and fear.

Isaiah turns to chapter 9 and gives us hope for what is to come as he reveals God's plan of redemption for humanity and the promise of the second coming of Jesus.

If you find yourself in despair, anxiety, and fear, seek the one who always hears and can help you in times of trouble. Appeal to the God who is alive forever. Here are three things that will guide us through the Advent Season.

Embrace the True Light: Isaiah unravels the profound warning against seeking guidance from mediums and spirits. His timeless wisdom urges us to follow God's instruction and embrace the dawn of divine light.
From Darkness to Dawn: A Prophetic Shift- Isaiah's prophecy reveals the contrasting transformation when we follow the instructions. Your distress turns to joy and darkness to light. Isaiah walks us through this symbolic journey from the land of deep darkness to the dawn of a great light, echoing hope and liberation."
Our Redeemer is Revealed: We witness the intricate tapestry of Isaiah 8 and 9 as we decode the prophetic message, showcasing the consequences of spiritual misdirection and the glorious transformation that awaits you and me.

Advent is a season that reminds us of the hope, peace, joy, and love that God has revealed in our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit as we prepare for the promise- the second coming of Jesus Christ, our risen King. Amen

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