Christmas Devotion

Monday, December 29, 2025  

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Today's Scripture
Isaiah 9:2–7

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness —
on them light has shined.

You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.

For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (NRSV)

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Reflection

When I read this passage, I can’t keep the glorious music from Part 1 of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah from sounding in my head. The symphony and choir’s jubilant “For unto us a child is born” resonates for me. Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. I’m grateful and privileged to have been able to sing it as part of the choirs I was in.

The people Isaiah spoke to were living with the threat of invasion and exile. It was a very dark time for them, and it must have been hard to hold on to hope.

Not too unlike them, we seem to be living in a time when we could use a little light. Our society seems to be wrestling with a struggle between power, love of wealth, and retribution against our enemies, versus loving our neighbors and caring for the downtrodden.

God’s sovereign grace means that God is taking the lead — God is giving us a Son. The child is born for us; given to us. We are saved by grace alone. The Messiah is given to us not because we deserve him, but because God’s love endures forever.

We are reminded that authority will rest on his shoulders, not the other way around. The names the Son is given proclaim his wisdom, divine nature, eternal care, and peace. And we are called to participate in Christ’s ongoing work. We are called to fight oppression, help the marginalized, and strive for peace in our communities and around the world.

Halleluiah!

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Prayer

Holy God, thank you for Isaiah’s words and thank you for fulfilling your promise by giving us a child who changed the world. Thank you for your grace. Help us to continue to do your work by loving our neighbors and helping those who need it. Amen.

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Written by Anthony Hipp, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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