The Wonderful Hope Christmas

“The people who will walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:2,6

Since I was a little girl, Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. The moment November 1st hits, I’m that girl who starts playing Christmas music, Googling where to see The Nutcracker, hauling all of the Christmas decorations from the attic, sipping hot beverages from my super Christmasy mugs, all while thinking up fun ways to celebrate all things Christmas. I literally transform into a Christmas maniac, which I think might scare my husband just a little. 

You see, for me, Christmas has always been the most magical time of the year. The sights and sounds of the season bring the world to life, casting away any gloom or doom, and allowing the heart to believe anything is possible. I’m not exactly sure why, but I’ve always loved Christmas until two years ago when Christmas broke my heart. 

It was my third check-up within two weeks. The first one was a routine check-up, the kind where you are all excited because, after seeing those two pink lines on multiple sticks, you are finally at your appointment to confirm that those pregnancy tests weren’t a dream. Except for me there were more questions than answers, which led me down a path full of blood work and lots of complicated medical phrases. And eventually to a check-up where the doctor would confirm that the little life just starting to form in my swollen belly would now be the baby I would cry buckets of tears for. Those two weeks before Christmas felt like a dark cloud hovered over my heart, erasing all hope. 

In Isaiah 9, God’s people were facing a hopeless future. Because of their rebellion, God would allow the Assyrians, a completely evil and horrific nation, to rise up and invade Israel, sending them into a time of deep suffering and great loss. However, in the middle of this devastating reality that was soon to come, there’s a glimmer of Biblical hope. “The people who will walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them” (Isaiah 9:2). Despite the dark times ahead for Israel, hope would shine through, ushering in future hope for all generations to come. “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). A promise that still echoes through every midnight: God promised that the child in Bethlehem’s manger would one day wear the crown of the world, and that every tear-stained exile would see the dawn of an everlasting kingdom.

We all have felt seasons like the prophecy in this beautifully contrasting passage of Scripture. Seasons where the heart feels like it’s been shredded in millions of pieces. Maybe this Christmas season you’re sitting alone because the person you loved is no longer by your side. Maybe you’re waiting for a Christmas miracle. Maybe you’re struggling with wrapping your head around a horrific medical diagnosis. Maybe you’re that mother still hoping that maybe this will be the Christmas your prodigal son or daughter returns home. Or maybe you’re like me, you’re grieving the loss of a child. Whatever you’re facing this holiday season, remember that Hope came down to a dark, dying world and changed everything, proving that nothing is too dark or too far off to hinder God’s faithfulness in your life. Even on a dark night, there is still hope! 

Reflection Questions: 

1. What specific childhood memories or traditions (like decorations, scents, or music) make Christmas feel “magical” to you, and how do they still influence your holiday excitement today?
2. Isaiah 9:2 speaks of people walking in darkness seeing a “great light.” How does this imagery contrast with Israel’s impending suffering, and what does it teach about hope emerging in hopeless situations?
3. Think of a past “dark night” in your life—how did you eventually see evidence of God’s light shining through?
4. If you’re facing grief this Christmas, what small step could you take to invite hope (e.g., a tradition, prayer, or outreach) without denying your pain?