Isaiah 63:7–9
In all their affliction he was afflicted. – Isaiah 63:9a
Click to read the passage,
Today’s passage reminds us that Christmas is not only the high point of a season, but also a time for looking back and remembering. We remember the steadfast love and mercy that God has revealed to His people throughout history.
Isaiah 63 appears in the later part of the book, set in the context of exile, loss, and the slow reawakening of hope. The prophet recalls how God once led Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and through seasons of conflict and protection. In remembering these acts, the people are reassured that God’s steadfast love has never ceased. Verse 7 speaks of “recounting” the Lord’s kindness, as a faith-filled declaration, proclaiming in the midst of present darkness how God has shown grace to His people.
Verse 8 reveals God’s gracious initiative and covenantal commitment: “Surely they are my people.” This is a declaration based on God’s faithfulness and promises. At the very moment when the people were weak and discouraged, God affirmed that He remained their Saviour. Salvation was not something they earned through effort, but something given freely through God’s mercy.
Verse 9 goes even deeper in portraying God’s heart. He does not stand at a distance, observing His people’s suffering. Instead, “in all their affliction, He was afflicted.” This is a deeply comforting image, God lifting up His people, carrying them, and walking with them through their hardship. And this also points toward a fuller fulfilment for later believers.
v As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, the continuation and fulfilment of this passage become even clearer. What Christmas proclaims is that God Himself is willing to enter into human suffering, becoming the One who is truly “with us.” He is not only our Deliverer, but also the Saviour who bears our burdens alongside us.
v After Christmas, as we return to our routines and responsibilities, this passage reminds us that God’s presence does not withdraw when the season ends. Whether we face pressure, exhaustion, loneliness, or disappointment with ourselves, God continues to uphold us with His steadfast love. Each day becomes an opportunity to recount His grace and to live out His mercy.
Reflection:
In your life today, are you willing to pause and recount the steadfast love and mercy God has shown you? How might you make God’s presence visible to others in the ordinary rhythms of daily life?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your steadfast love and mercy throughout history and in my own life. Thank You for being with me in my weakness and difficulty, lifting me up and carrying me through. Help me to live out Your grace in my daily life, so that Your love may reach others through me. I pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Click to read the passage,
Today’s passage reminds us that Christmas is not only the high point of a season, but also a time for looking back and remembering. We remember the steadfast love and mercy that God has revealed to His people throughout history.
Isaiah 63 appears in the later part of the book, set in the context of exile, loss, and the slow reawakening of hope. The prophet recalls how God once led Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and through seasons of conflict and protection. In remembering these acts, the people are reassured that God’s steadfast love has never ceased. Verse 7 speaks of “recounting” the Lord’s kindness, as a faith-filled declaration, proclaiming in the midst of present darkness how God has shown grace to His people.
Verse 8 reveals God’s gracious initiative and covenantal commitment: “Surely they are my people.” This is a declaration based on God’s faithfulness and promises. At the very moment when the people were weak and discouraged, God affirmed that He remained their Saviour. Salvation was not something they earned through effort, but something given freely through God’s mercy.
Verse 9 goes even deeper in portraying God’s heart. He does not stand at a distance, observing His people’s suffering. Instead, “in all their affliction, He was afflicted.” This is a deeply comforting image, God lifting up His people, carrying them, and walking with them through their hardship. And this also points toward a fuller fulfilment for later believers.
v As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, the continuation and fulfilment of this passage become even clearer. What Christmas proclaims is that God Himself is willing to enter into human suffering, becoming the One who is truly “with us.” He is not only our Deliverer, but also the Saviour who bears our burdens alongside us.
v After Christmas, as we return to our routines and responsibilities, this passage reminds us that God’s presence does not withdraw when the season ends. Whether we face pressure, exhaustion, loneliness, or disappointment with ourselves, God continues to uphold us with His steadfast love. Each day becomes an opportunity to recount His grace and to live out His mercy.
Reflection:
In your life today, are you willing to pause and recount the steadfast love and mercy God has shown you? How might you make God’s presence visible to others in the ordinary rhythms of daily life?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your steadfast love and mercy throughout history and in my own life. Thank You for being with me in my weakness and difficulty, lifting me up and carrying me through. Help me to live out Your grace in my daily life, so that Your love may reach others through me. I pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.