• Journal
  • Here are some tools to help you with the devotionals:
    • A Guide to Journaling & Prayer
    • A Guide to Self-Reflection
    • A chart to help articulate feelings

• Read & Reflect

  Isaiah 9:1-7 (ESV) 

  ¹ But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

  ²  The people who walked in darkness

    have seen a great light;

  those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

    on them has light shone.

  ³ You have multiplied the nation;

    you have increased its joy;

  they rejoice before you

    as with joy at the harvest,

    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.

  ⁴ For the yoke of his burden,

    and the staff for his shoulder,

    the rod of his oppressor,

    you have broken as on the day of Midian.

  ⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult

    and every garment rolled in blood

    will be burned as fuel for the fire.

  ⁶ For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given;

  and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

    and his name shall be called

  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

  ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace

    there will be no end,

  on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

    to establish it and to uphold it

  with justice and with righteousness

    from this time forth and forevermore.

  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

   

   

  Isaiah 9:1-5

  • The northern part of Israel (the areas of Zebulun and Naphtali) was the first to go into exile and was considered to be the lowliest part of Israel.  What is prophesied in these verses regarding this area, and how does it become fulfilled through the coming of Jesus (cf. Matt 4:13-16)?
  • What are some phrases that are particularly relevant to our day, or that I can particularly relate to?

   

  Isaiah 9:6

  • Reflect on the titles of the Messiah.  In what ways do these titles capture human need, and in what ways are they perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ?  Which title is personally most meaningful to me and why?

   

• Gratitude Journal & Prayer of Thanksgiving
• Write down three things that you are thankful for.

[1] NIV Study Bible, study notes (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1995), 10.