In the end, every king and every kingdom will fail until the perfect King comes. As we start the new year, find real hope in God, whose mercies are new every morning. And whatever the year brings - rise or fall - hope in the Perfect King.
Isaiah brings God's message of hope in this passage. He tells them that their trouble will turn to peace, their gloom will turn to joy, and their darkness will turn to light. Why? Because the Prince of Peace is coming. In troubled times, hope in the Prince of Peace.
In the book of Micah, things are looking hopeless for the people of Judah. God uses Micah to bring a prophecy about God's Eternal Ruler to be born in little Bethlehem that was meant to keep them hoping in God's promises rather than their circumstances. In dark times, we too can hope in God's Eternal Ruler.
God would come in the flesh as Immanuel (God with us) to fulfill His promises and save His people. Because God Himself fulfills His promises, hope is never lost. Do not be afraid, God-with-us will keep His promises.
In epic fashion, as the serpent, Adam, and Eve ruin God's perfect creation, God promises that there will One to come who will slay the Serpent. Hear this prophecy in Genesis and understand what it means to find victory in God's Serpent-Slayer.