Today I am going to break from our regular sermon series in Mark to do a message pertaining to the birth of Christ. I often preach special sermons on subjects that pertain to matters that are on everyone's mind (matters like the virus, Christmas, Easter, or a calamity). However, as we have some new people with us, I want to explain something to you. The elders of this church do not believe that either we or any church counsel has the authority to institute holy days. God has reserved that authority for Himself.

The promise of shalom is found in verses 1-5. Isaiah does not use the word shalom here, but he is talking about shalom. First, he promises that where there was deep darkness, the light will shine (9:1-2) True believers were disturbed by what they had seen in this part of Israel: darkness. But Isaiah declares that in this place, light would especially shine!