Nativity Stories . . . Isaiah
Nativity Stories
God’s Glorious, Miraculous, His Joyful Visitation Among Us: It had always been God’s plan for redemption. This had been His plan from eternity, not just for humanity as a whole, but even more so for individuals like you and me. God has loved you from eternity. He has loved me. Every word in Scripture rings true along with that plan. My heart resounds with joy to this Great Good News. So,every year I write a Christmas story. I have been doing this since 1971 when I was a sophomore at the University of Montevallo. Over they years I have written all manner of stories featuring Biblical characters, family members, missionary families, imaginary families, and assorted animals. It has always been a delightful adventure for me, seeking to reveal the wonder and glory and the beauty of Jesus, God Incarnate coming to live among us.
This year will be unique. I believe God has given me the task of writing seven nativity stories, each written with one or two Bible personalities in view. I hope to post one a week leading up to Christmas. I will begin with the Prophet, Isaiah, called the Gospel Prophet—but, then again, actually all Old Testament prophets are Gospel prophets. They each play their role in God’s plan to make eternal redemption available to every person.
Week One
A Visionary Prophet
November 8
Isaiah
A Visionary Prophet
Well, who am I, you ask?
My name is of no matter to you.
I am here to tell a story of
God’s prophet, Isaiah.
I tell one of many stories
which could be told of this great and godly
man who stood before
kings, both righteous and unrighteous,
to proclaim the Word of God.
I received the blessing
of serving as a chosen one
among his scribes.
Here, then, is my story.
May God bless you
so you clearly receive His message.
Isaiah chose to spend extensive time alone.
Some days I never saw him at all.
One evening, late enough
that I had eaten my meal,
I was not so surprised to
see him coming through the door.
As was befitting, I asked Him,
”Shalom, Master Isaiah,
can I get you something to eat?”
“No, no, no, my brother.
We must get to work.
I have an amazing Word from the Lord.”
Indeed, yes He did.
Every Word God communicated to Isaiah
declared absolute truth
no man would ever undermine,
though kings and generals
might attempt such foolishness.
Here is what he carefully,
deliberately declared to me,
making sure I wrote each blessed
word God had declared.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
For every boot of the tramping warrior
in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
(Isaiah 9:1-5)
Now, I must tell you how
Isaiah behaved
while he expressed to me
this Word from the Lord.
He never sat down.
He paced back and forth.
His face shone with glory.
His eyes were bright.
And as I listened,
my heart overflowed with joy.
Here was God’s Holy Word
entrusted to my own
humble fingers to record.
Sometimes Isaiah spoke loudly,
forcefully, demanding attention.
At other times he seemed
overcome with the majesty
of God’s Message,
and he almost whispered.
Sometimes his voice became exultant,
but at other times
he wept with a brokenness
which moved me to tears.
This night Isaiah sounded triumphant.
Obviously he had Good News to share.
He delivered a message about glory
coming to Galilee of the nations.
He declared a great light was coming
to people bound by darkness.
For His people there would be great joy.
The oppression of hopelessness
would cease.
Battle gear would be burned.
(At this point, I must tell you,
Isaiah became more excited
than I had ever seen him.
He started laughing and crying
at the same time.
He rushed outside and looked up
at the stars, as he declared,
“Praise be to God,
Ruler of the Universe.”
I rushed out into the night also.
I joined him in praising God.
This was one of the most holy
moments we had ever shared together.)
Then I followed him back inside.
I took up my stylus,
and with mesmerizing
Joy he spoke these words:
“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.
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 9:6-7)
(And then my Master, Isaiah, stopped his proclamation,
and told me to put down my stylus.
He often did this, when overcome
with the power of the message,
so he could explore the depth and meaning
in God’s Holy Word.)
“Imagine this, my brother.
God will send a child, a son among us.
He will establish a holy kingdom,
ruled by our Holy God.
Just think of His Names:
Wonderful Counselor!
Mighty God!
Everlasting Father!
Prince of Peace!
In some mysterious,
miraculous manner,
God is coming
to live among us,
Praise be to His Holy Name!”
Then, Isaiah, my master started dancing,
well, not exactly dancing,
more like stepping in rhythm
as he almost sang.
Actually, first he declared
from memory
an earlier prophecy.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall call his name Immanuel.
(Isaiah 7:14)
Then with more excitement
and joy than I had
ever seen in my Master
he begin to chant and dance-step
around the room.
“Our Lord God will do it,
He will do it as He has planned
even from all eternity.
Hosanna to His Holy Name.
He will show us His sign.
A virgin shall conceive a son,
His Name, Immanuel.
Hosanna to His Holy Name.
He has said it, brother.
And so, it will surely be done.
His Word will never, never fail.
Hosanna to His Holy Name.
All His people are blessed.
All the world will finally know.
God offers redemption to all.
Hosanna to His Holy Name.
Hosanna to His Holy Name.
His Love and Word are glorious.
This Son will be our redemption.
Hosanna to His Holy Name.”
Then he grabbed me
by both hands
and led me
as we chanted
his song,
as we stamped
our feet
in less than perfect rhythm
And in my heart I knew
how this message
my Master Isaiah
had received from God
would bring joy
to all the people
of the world.
Hosanna to His Holy Name.
Hosanna to His Holy Name.
Hosanna to His Holy Name.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
