'Isaiah' means 'Yahweh means Salvation'

In 701BC the Assyrian King Sennacherib marshalled his troops to begin the invasion of Judah, the remaining half of the divided kingdom of Israel. The northern Kingdom had already been conquered and taken into exile. In this turbulent time of Israel’s history, when the nation would soon disappear from the geopolitical scene, Isaiah sees a glorious vision of God in the temple and is moved by the Spirit of God to write his prophecy. Isaiah is given the big picture by God. He interprets the present times of Israel’s disaster as God’s judgement on them for their continued rebellion against him. He speaks of God’s power and might to redeem his people even though there may only be a remnant left. He particularly begins to draw back the curtain on how God is going to accomplish this divine work of rescue and redemption. It will be through the ‘suffering servant’.

God will himself take on human flesh and come to dwell among his people, (Immanuel). The suffering servant will give his life as an offering of atonement to satisfy the wrath of a holy God. Yet he will live again and bring full salvation to God’s people. The geographical kingdom of Israel will yield to the kingdom of God that will extend to the ends of the earth. ‘The earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.’ (Isaiah 11:9)
What does the Christmas season have to do with this ancient prophet? You have probably already made the connection. In the words of the popular saying, ‘Jesus is the reason for the season.’ Not only is Jesus the reason for the season. He is God in the flesh, the only begotten Son of the Father, the image of the invisible God, the fullness of the deity dwells in him in bodily form. ‘Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate deity.’ What incredible thoughts! God’s words reveal his thoughts and his thoughts are full of love and grace and mercy. God acts in history according to his plan and in the fullness of time his Son was born to a virgin. He comes in fulfillment of the words of Isaiah written over 700 years earlier.

He comes to save his people from their sins. I hope that this Christmas season you will take the opportunity to think again about the wonders of salvation in Christ. I hope that you will be moved to offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God your Saviour and that you will set your heart and mind on growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Have a good Christmas season.
Your Brother,
Kim