Isaiah 9:1-7

Nevertheless,

that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever.

The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will soon be humbled,

but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light—

a light that will shine on all who live

in the land where death casts its shadow.

Israel will again be great,

and its people will rejoice

as people rejoice at harvesttime.

They will shout with joy

like warriors dividing the plunder.

For God will break the chains

that bind his people

and the whip

that scourges them,

just as he did when he destroyed the army of Midian with Gideon's little band.

In that day of peace,

battle gear will no longer be issued.

Never again will uniforms be bloodstained by war.

All such equipment will be burned.

For a child is born to us,

a son is given to us.

And the government will rest on his shoulders.

These will be his royal titles:

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end.

He will rule forever

with fairness and justice

from the throne of his ancestor David.

The passionate commitment of the LORD Almighty will guarantee this!

The Power of Hope

Hope is a very powerful thing.

1. Hope in the Dark Times

a. Times when the walls seem to be closing in

b. Times when you can see no light

c. Times when fear and trouble are all you can see

2. Hope in Times of Despair

a. Times of intense pain and suffering

b. Times when there seems to be no end

c. Times when you feel no compassion or love

3. Hope in The Light

a. The Light of The World is Jesus

b. The Light that assures a new day

c. The light only the redeemed can see

4. Hope in Peace

a. The Peace of knowing everything is OK

b. The Peace that relies on Christ; not self

c. The Peace that is more than you expected

5. Hope in Jesus Christ

a. Our Hope for life abundant

b. Our hope for life victorious

c. Our hope for life eternal

6. Hope in our Future

a. A Future of Joy

b. A future of Love

c. A future of Compassion

7. Hope Guaranteed

a. Guaranteed By God

b. Guaranteed Through Jesus

c. Guarantee assured by the Holy Spirit

The Only Hope for our Country, Our Church and our Life is Jesus Christ.