Isaiah authorship - (a single writer? Two/three writers? An Isaianic school?) is much disputed and discussed, but should not form the bulk of sermonic content. Such background will certainly be useful to the preacher, but is to necessary to pass on during the moment of proclamation. The piece of material we are working with seems similar to a coronation psalm celebrating the righteous deeds and qualities / characteristics of a Davidic king. Placed in history, could our passage be reflective of Hezekiah at his accession to the throne? Though clear words in Hebrew and in translations, the titles are ambivalent, both announcing the claim and potential reality of royal righteousness.

Prince of Peace -- Is the Isaianic writer holding this virtuous, peace-loving, justice bringing, Wonderful Counselor-Mighty God-Everlasting Father-Prince of Peace figure over against reality? That is, does Isaiah mock his own unjust, violence-loving community by holding up what the Davidic monarchy might look like in its best light? Isaiah’s descriptions contain all the ethical and theological standards and covenant politics needed for the leaders of Judah to thwart their plunge toward destruction, but will they listen, Isaiah wonders.

power vision - I think it might be most helpful to show Isaiah’s vision of the Davidic king at its best as an excellent example of a power vision. Visions of a better world are never rooted in reality, but in fact, become subversive language that mocks the present incongruities of culture while at the same time inviting the people to look through the eyes of faith to what can be a renewed community through complete trust and personal renewal in God and the concomitant commitment to change our lives. What a better time than Christmas Eve to dream of a better world to come at the hand of the new-born King, Jesus the Christ.

 

Do you know of any people or land around us that fit Isaiah’s vision? Consider taking a walk downtown-through a busy street or perhaps through a jammed mall this week; notice any pockets of despair among the shoppers or pedestrians.

What other ways might people today live in darkness? Describe a modern version of the "the land where death casts it’s shadow."

Isaiah uses the powerful metaphors of death, agrarian images, breaking of prison chains, and the end of war. How could you reflect Isaiah’s powerful vision by using current metaphors and images?

How would you characterize the Messiah’s rule based on the descriptions in this passage? Justice? Peace-loving? Nonviolent?

 

The movie, The Light in the Jungle, provides a great contrast of light vis-à-vis darkness. It is the story of Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Albert Schweitzer who leaves western culture behind at the age of 30 to establish his jungle hospital in Africa. In building healing and hope in Africa, Schweitzer battles nature, cruel superstitions, and western self-righteousness from his sponsors. Light comes in the form of inspiration from his wife Scripture, and medicine.

The early Christian writers made immediate connections between Isaiah’s "child" and Jesus Christ. How do you navigate Isaiah’s ancient prophecy with Jesus? In what way/s have you discovered Christ as Counselor / Mighty God / Everlasting Father / Prince of Peace? What Scriptures come to mind that "fulfill" such titles with the Advent of Jesus Christ?

How, being ourselves shaped by Isaiah’s Leader-ship qualities, can we go about the shaping of our world to conform to Isaiah’s vision?

Between Isaiah’s vision and our reality of a world of peace, nonviolence, justice, and joy is a huge chasm. If we doubt this, we need only read today’s paper.