Loving God, you come to us even in darkness and in fear, bringing hope through Jesus Christ.  Make us signs of hope for those around us, empowering us by your Spirit, through the same Jesus Christ our Saviour.  Amen.

           The reading that we heard from Isaiah this evening has long been associated with the birth of Jesus.  It mentions light in the darkness, joy, peace, and the birth of a child who will be an ideal ruler.  It is easy to see how it relates to the birth of Jesus.  However, it is also helpful to be aware of its original context.

         When the prophet Isaiah was first given this message, he was speaking to people who were living in fear.  Their neighbours to the north were being threatened by the Assyrian Empire, which eventually did invade Israel and took many of the people as captives to Assyria.  These days, it would be similar to living in places like Poland, Latvia, Estonia, or Romania. They all have borders with Russia or Ukraine, and undoubtedly wonder if they will be next.

         And so, imagine living in these conditions and hearing about a coming king who will rule with justice and righteousness, who will have victory over oppressors, and who will establish a reign of peace.  You might simply not believe it – or, you might turn your attention toward God and grab onto that life-line of hope in the midst of fear.

         Of course, then we come to the birth of Jesus, and once again the people are living in fear.  In this case, it is the Romans who are the oppressors – demanding taxes from those who have very little to begin with, violently subduing anybody who resists, and using some of the cruelest forms of torture and execution ever devised.  It is no surprise, then, that the people were hoping for a Messiah who would rescue them from the Roman tyranny.

         It is in the midst of this atmosphere of fear that an angel of the Lord shows up in the fields near Bethlehem, saying, “Do not be afraid” (Lk. 2:10).  Not only that, but the angel is bringing “good news of great joy for all the people.”  A Saviour has been born – the Messiah – the Lord.  Then, somewhat ironically, a heavenly army shows up and sings about peace.

         Just like in Isaiah’s time, there were probably plenty of people who just didn’t believe it.  But there were others – like the shepherds – who turned their attention toward God and grabbed onto this life-line of hope in the midst of fear.  Now, it is true that not everything in the life of Jesus unfolded as people expected, but that is not unusual where God is involved.

         With all of the talk about the throne of David and a Messiah, many might have expected an earthly king, ruling in Jerusalem, and leading an army to victory against the Romans.  However, God had a different kind of Messiah in mind: one who would offer humble service rather than royal power; one who would save all people from the power of sin and death rather than just saving his own people from the Romans.

         With all of the talk about peace on earth and everlasting peace, many might have expected all wars to cease.  However, God sent instead the peace that passes all understanding – the peace of God that is possible through Jesus and given by the Holy Spirit.  This is a far cry from the pax Romana, which was really only an illusion of peace.

         And, with all of the talk about “good news of great joy,” and even the joy that is evident in Isaiah, many might have expected those who believe in Jesus to be a lot more joyful.  However, even Jesus wasn’t joyful all the time.  There certainly were times when he rejoiced, but there were also times when he wept, and when he felt sorrow, and when he was filled with compassion for those who were in need.  Joy is given by the Holy Spirit, but none of us get to have it all the time.

         Tonight, then, in a world that still yearns for peace and for joy and for salvation, we, too, are invited to turn our attention to God, and to grab onto the life-line of hope that is still there in the midst of fear.  For, no matter what it is that we have going on, God is with us through Jesus, who still heals and saves and forgives.  Thanks be to God!  Amen.

The Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Eve)            Luke 2:1-20

December 24, 2022                                                Isaiah 9:2-7

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church

Pastor Lynne Hutchison

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