A Poem of Hope

This morning our message was based on this passage, 

spoken over seven-hundred years before it was fulfilled and the

 'Child was born and The Son Was Given'.

Isa.9:2-7

The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned.

3You have enlarged the nation

and increased their joy;

they rejoice before you

as people rejoice at the harvest,

as warriors rejoice

when dividing the plunder.

4For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,

you have shattered

the yoke that burdens them,

the bar across their shoulders,

the rod of their oppressor.

5Every warrior’s boot used in battle

and every garment rolled in blood

will be destined for burning,

will be fuel for the fire.

6For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7Of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end.

Tonight's dark headlines threaten to draw our hearts

from Hope as we fear what the impact of another lockdown

will do to livelihoods, mental health etc!

So MUCH uncertainty but isn't this when we turn to One who is Certain?

Open His Word tonight and dwell on His promises

and Who He IS!

A few weeks ago we had a message on what the Nativity really looks like!

Because Jesus was/is God's love in human form!!!

If you are sad tonight will you let this picture comfort you?

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Repeat the Name above all names

He is our comfort and Joy because He IS all the above!

I was so overcome with discouragement tonight!

As I remembered what our pastor encouraged us to do this morning

'To look unto the Child that was born, the Son that was given'

as I whispered His name over and over 

He whispered sweet peace to me!

Dark the deadweight of derision 

Where woe’s warring words assail 

Where we, weary of oppression 

All need Love, Who will not fail 

Hope, when plans and dreams diminish 

Will not deceive or refute 

Though we cannot see its finish 

Hope clings to Love’s Absolute 

Once upon a world so broken 

To the people so forlorn 

Hope, through Isaiah was spoken 

‘Unto us a child is born’ 

Long before hope became human 

A King’s coming was foretold 

Now we wait to see fulfillment 

Just as they, in days of old 

The Prince of Peace is returning 

Do not let headlines despair 

But let hearts grow wild with yearning 

For a Better World somewhere 

While this world grows dark with hating 

Let love’s faithful message bring 

Peace to hearts of faith, now waiting

For the return of our King 

© Janet Martin