December 9th, 2025
by Pastor Josh Hayward
by Pastor Josh Hayward
Beloved Kinney,
We have, built within fabric of who we are, a need to look ahead, to long for, to hope in, to wait for something better, something bigger, something more satisfying than what we’re currently experiencing. That’s what Advent season is about.
Isaiah 9:1-7 is a passage sandwiched between two passages describing the coming invasion of Assyria. It is a passage of hope that describes what will come after all this judgment is over—a later time that will be glorious. Here’s what was prophesied…
“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as son the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; wand the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”
Notice WHAT the latter days will be like….
Notice WHY the latter time will be like this…
Notice WHEN will the latter time be…
No one in all of history adequately fits such descriptions…except for ONE person. And his name is Jesus. He is the perfect King who was born for us.
Kinney, this is the child born for you. FOR YOU! As Luke 2:11 puts it, “UNTO you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
The glorious latter time has already come! You have everything you need now to live in light and joy and peace! BUT you and I both know, this glorious latter time is not fully here. We’re still waiting for the king to return for his own, when he will finally eliminate all darkness, anguish, oppression forever. That day is coming soon.
We were made for this—to look forward to something better, to long for something greater, to hope in something fully and finally fulfilling. It’s here, but not yet. Your King has come, Christian, and he will return for you. Hold onto that to get you through today.
Love,
Pastor Josh
We have, built within fabric of who we are, a need to look ahead, to long for, to hope in, to wait for something better, something bigger, something more satisfying than what we’re currently experiencing. That’s what Advent season is about.
Isaiah 9:1-7 is a passage sandwiched between two passages describing the coming invasion of Assyria. It is a passage of hope that describes what will come after all this judgment is over—a later time that will be glorious. Here’s what was prophesied…
“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as son the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; wand the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”
Notice WHAT the latter days will be like….
- Light will break through the darkness. (v2)
- Joy will be multiplied. (v3)
- Oppression will cease. (vv4-5)
Notice WHY the latter time will be like this…
- A child will be born for us! (v6)
- He will be King!
- He will be wonderful!
- He will be God himself!
Notice WHEN will the latter time be…
No one in all of history adequately fits such descriptions…except for ONE person. And his name is Jesus. He is the perfect King who was born for us.
- Only Jesus can be described as Wonderful Counselor.
- Only Jesus can be described as Mighty God.
- Only Jesus can be described as Everlasting Father.
- Only Jesus can be described as the Prince of Peace.
Kinney, this is the child born for you. FOR YOU! As Luke 2:11 puts it, “UNTO you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
- He was born to be your joy.
- He was born to be your peace.
The glorious latter time has already come! You have everything you need now to live in light and joy and peace! BUT you and I both know, this glorious latter time is not fully here. We’re still waiting for the king to return for his own, when he will finally eliminate all darkness, anguish, oppression forever. That day is coming soon.
We were made for this—to look forward to something better, to long for something greater, to hope in something fully and finally fulfilling. It’s here, but not yet. Your King has come, Christian, and he will return for you. Hold onto that to get you through today.
Love,
Pastor Josh
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