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We Have Waited for Him

Isaiah promised a great light to a land in darkness, and a Child whose names tell us who He is

  • 📖 Adult Sunday School
  • Week 52
  • 📅 Sunday, December 27, 2026
💡 The big idea

The whole Old Testament leans forward toward Jesus Christ. The light Isaiah promised to a people sitting in darkness came in Bethlehem, and He still comes to everyone who waits for Him and seeks Him.

I can recognize Jesus Christ in the promises of the Old Testament, choose one of His names to learn from in the coming year, and carry His light to someone who is sitting in darkness.

Come, Follow Me manualOpen this week (Christmas)
Know the chapters

This week closes the Old Testament year with Christmas instead of new chapters. The manual’s title comes from Isaiah 25:9: “we have waited for him, and he will save us.” From the beginning, prophets looked forward to a Deliverer. In Isaiah 61:1 He would “proclaim liberty to the captives.” In Moses 5:7, Adam offered sacrifices as “a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten.” In Genesis 22:8, Abraham told Isaac that God would “provide himself a lamb.” In Numbers 24:17, Balaam saw “a Star out of Jacob.” The manual invites us to rejoice in our Redeemer. Notice the symbols that point to Him, like star, shepherd, lamb, water, rock, branch and light. Ponder His names and titles.

The lesson reads Isaiah 9:1–7 in its own setting. Around 732 BC, the Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser swept through northern Israel. He carried away the people of Galilee and “all the land of Naphtali.” That’s 2 Kings 15:29. Zebulun and Naphtali were among the first to fall into that darkness. Isaiah 8:22 ends with “dimness of anguish.” Into that gloom, Isaiah promised in 9:1–2 that the same region would see “a great light.” In 9:6 a child would be born. His names would be Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. About seven hundred years later, Jesus made His home in Capernaum, “in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim.” In Matthew 4:13–16, Matthew quotes Isaiah to say the light had come. Nephi included the whole chapter in 2 Nephi 19.

If questions come up about the titles, here’s help. Jesus Christ is Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament. That’s why Isaiah could call a newborn “The mighty God.” He’s called “The everlasting Father,” but He isn’t Heavenly Father. In Mosiah 3:8 He’s “the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning.” And in Mosiah 5:7, those who make covenants with Him are spiritually born of Him. They become His sons and daughters.

Christmas week can be tender. Someone may be facing an empty chair, a strained family or a lonely holiday. Isaiah 9 was written to people in real darkness. There’s no need to pretend everyone’s season is bright. With 25 minutes, walk through Isaiah 9:1–7 in three short readings, plus a fourth in Matthew 4. Study one verse closely. Let the discussion of Christ’s names carry most of the time. The symbols discussion is ready as a bonus if the class is chatty.

Only have 5 minutes?

Read Isaiah 9:1–7 and Matthew 4:13–16 once. Open by asking about the longest wait anyone has known. Walk through the four short readings with one question after each. Study Isaiah 25:9 closely. Give the most time to the names in Isaiah 9:6. Invite everyone to pick one name of Christ to study in 2027. Close with Isaiah 9:2 and one or two short testimonies.

What to bring2 items

Tick what you have. Forgot something? Every step that needs a supply has a no-supplies version in the plan below.

Before class

  1. Read Isaiah 8:22 through 9:7 in one sitting, then Matthew 4:12–16. Notice that the promise lands on the exact place that was darkest.
  2. Decide which name in Isaiah 9:6 means the most to you this year, and why. If the room is quiet, you’ll go first.

Discussion tips

  • Tiny holiday class? Pull chairs into a circle and let the discussion run longer. Packed with visitors? Welcome them warmly. Invite them to share how their family celebrates the Savior’s birth.
  • Christmas can ache. Someone mentions grief, loneliness or a family that isn’t together? Thank them and point to Isaiah 9:2. The light came to people still in darkness. Don’t rush past it to something cheerful.
  • Quiet class? Give everyone half a minute to read the five names in Isaiah 9:6 and pick one. Then ask. Share your own choice first.
  • One voice filling every pause? Thank them warmly, then say, “Let’s hear from someone who hasn’t had a chance yet.”
  • Someone asks how Jesus can be called “The everlasting Father”? See the third background paragraph. Keep it short. He’s the Son of God and the Creator. He’s the Father of all who are born again through Him.

The 25-minute plan25 min + bonus

Bonus steps are for when you have extra time. Each “On the screen” line is what the class sees on a shared screen in Teach Mode in the Gospel Sparks app; on paper, read it aloud or write it on the board.

1. Hook

The Longest Wait

3 min

Opens with a real-life question about waiting, the feeling the whole Old Testament carries.

  1. SAY“Think of the longest you’ve ever waited for something. A baby. A missionary. A diagnosis. A home. An answer to a prayer.”
  2. Ask, “What did that waiting do to you?” Take three or four answers, including waits that haven’t ended yet.
  3. SAY“Israel waited centuries for the Messiah. Today let’s read one promise that kept them waiting, and see where it came true.”

On the screen: 🕰️ What is the longest you have ever waited for something?

2. Story

Isaiah 9 in Four Short Stops

9 min

Walks through Isaiah 9:1–7 a few verses at a time as a promise to real people in real darkness, then shows where it came true.

  1. SAY“We’ll read Isaiah 9 in three short readings, then see where it came true. Picture a land that has just been conquered.”
  2. Show one scene at a time. Give the one-line setup. You or a volunteer reads the passage.
  3. After each reading, ask the scene’s question and take two or three answers. Keep each stop about two minutes.
  4. After the last reading, let the quiet sit for a few seconds.

On the screen: 🌅 Isaiah 9: a land in darkness, a great light, and a Child with five names · Four short readings: Isaiah 9:1–2 · 3–5 · 6–7 · Matthew 4:13–16

No supplies? Do this instead

Instead of: The shared screen (TV or device) with Teach Mode open

  1. SAY“We’ll read Isaiah 9 in three short readings. Then we’ll see where it came true.”
  2. Read Isaiah 9:1–2, 3–5 and 6–7, then Matthew 4:13–16. Give each setup in your own words first. You or a volunteer reads.
  3. After each reading, ask the scene’s question aloud and take two or three answers. Keep each stop about two minutes.
3. Scripture

What the Waiting Turns Into

4 min

Studies Isaiah 25:9 closely so the class sees that faithful waiting ends in recognition and joy.

  1. SAY“Isaiah pictured the day the waiting would end.”
  2. Read Isaiah 25:9 slowly while the class follows on the screen.
  3. Ask, “‘Waited’ is there twice. What does the waiting turn into?” Draw out recognition, salvation, gladness and rejoicing.
  4. Read Isaiah 25:8. Death is swallowed up in victory, and tears are wiped away.
  5. Ask, “Which of these promises did Christmas begin to fulfill?” Follow-up: “Which are we still waiting for?”

On the screen: ⏳ “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.” · Isaiah 25:8–9 · “Waited” is there twice. What does the waiting turn into?

4. Talk it over

His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful

6 min

Helps adults find personal meaning in the names of Jesus Christ and choose one to study in the coming year.

  1. SAY“Isaiah gave the Child five names. Let’s read them slowly and talk about the ones we need.”
  2. Read Isaiah 9:6.
  3. Give everyone half a minute to quietly pick one name. Then choose two or three questions, each with its follow-up.
  4. After the first question, share Elder Quentin L. Cook’s words about the Prince of Peace from “From general conference” below.
💬 Ask the class
  • Which of the five names speaks to what you need right now? Follow-up: When have you felt Him be that for you?
  • “Wonderful” means full of wonder. When has the Savior surprised you with something you didn’t think was possible? Follow-up: How did it change the way you pray?
  • A good counselor listens before advising. How has the Lord counseled you? Follow-up: How did you know it was Him?
  • Isaiah promised “The Prince of Peace” to a nation at war. What does His peace look like when the world around you isn’t peaceful? Follow-up: Who might need that peace from you this Christmas?
  • Pick one name or title of Jesus Christ to study all next year. Which would it be? Follow-up: Where will you start?

On the screen: 👑 Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace · Isaiah 9:6 · Which name speaks to you right now?

5. Testimony

A Great Light

3 min

Ends with testimony of Jesus Christ as the promised Light and an invitation for the new year.

  1. SAY“Isaiah promised ‘a great light’ to people still in darkness. Would one or two of you share when the Savior brought light into a dark season?”
  2. Bear a short testimony. The Child born in Bethlehem is the Deliverer every prophet waited for. He still comes to those who seek Him.
  3. Invite: “This week, choose one name of Christ to study in the new year. And carry His light to someone sitting in darkness.”

On the screen: 🕯️ The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. · Isaiah 9:2 · This week: choose a name of Christ for 2027. Share His light.

6. Talk it over

Symbols That Point to Him

4 minBONUS

Looks back over the Old Testament year to see how often it testified of Jesus Christ.

  1. SAY“The Old Testament is full of pictures of Jesus Christ. A star. A shepherd. A lamb. Water, a rock, a branch, light. Many show up in our Christmas traditions.”
  2. Ask one or two questions with follow-ups, then close on time.
💬 Ask the class
  • Which Old Testament story from this year taught you the most about Jesus Christ? Follow-up: What did it teach you that you still carry?
  • In Genesis 22, verse 8, Abraham told Isaac that God would “provide himself a lamb.” How does knowing the whole story change the way you see the Nativity? Follow-up: Which symbol moves you most?
  • Which of your Christmas traditions points most clearly to the Savior? Follow-up: Is there one you’d like to add or change this year?

On the screen: ✨ Star, shepherd, lamb, water, rock, branch, light: every symbol points to Jesus Christ. · Numbers 24:17 · Psalm 23:1 · Genesis 22:8 · Isaiah 11:1 · Isaiah 9:2

Read it together

A Great Light in a Dark Land

Isaiah 9:1–2; Isaiah 9:3–5; Isaiah 9:6–7; Matthew 4:13–16 ↗

Scenes

  1. 🌅 “The people that walked in darkness”

    About seven hundred thirty-two years before Christ, Assyria swept through Galilee. It took “all the land of Naphtali” and carried the people away. That’s 2 Kings 15, verse 29. Isaiah 8 ends in “dimness of anguish.” Now read Isaiah 9, verses 1 and 2. Notice where the light shines first.

    💬 Ask: Why do you think the promise lands first on the place that fell first? Follow-up: When has light reached you in a dark season?

  2. 🌾 Joy like harvest, and a yoke broken

    Now verses 3 to 5. Isaiah pictures joy like bringing in the harvest. A heavy yoke is snapped, “as in the day of Midian.” That was Gideon’s day, in Judges 7. His three hundred men won with trumpets and lamps. That way Israel would know the victory was the Lord’s.

    💬 Ask: Think of a yoke you could never have lifted yourself. When has the Lord lifted one like that, from you or someone you love?

  3. 👶 “For unto us a child is born”

    How will the deliverance come? Not by a bigger army. By a child. Read verses 6 and 7. Listen to the five names. And listen to the last line: “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

    💬 Ask: Why would God answer a nation’s darkness with a baby instead of an army? Follow-up: What does that tell you about how He works in your life?

  4. 🌊 Seven hundred years later, by the Sea of Galilee

    The rest of Isaiah 9, verses 8 to 21, warns proud Israel of coming judgments. Seven hundred years later, Jesus leaves Nazareth for Capernaum. Now read Matthew 4, verses 13 to 16. Notice this line: “to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.”

    💬 Ask: The light came to the exact place that had been darkest. Where is a “Galilee” in your life or your family that needs His light?

Key verse

Isaiah 25:9 ↗
“And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
In plain words: Isaiah pictures the day people finally meet their Deliverer and say, “This is the One we were waiting for.” Waiting on the Lord ends in gladness, because He comes and He saves.

More verses

Isaiah 9:6 ↗
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
In plain words: The Deliverer would come as a baby, a gift given to us, and His names tell us what He would be: a wonder, a counselor, God Himself, the Creator and Father of the reborn, and the source of peace.
Isaiah 9:2 ↗
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”
In plain words: The light didn’t wait for people to get out of the dark first. It came to them right where they were.
Isaiah 53:5 ↗
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
In plain words: The Child in the manger came to carry what we cannot: our sins, our sorrows and our wounds. His suffering is the source of our healing.
Isaiah 61:1 ↗
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”
In plain words: Jesus later read this passage aloud in Nazareth and said it was about Him. He came to heal broken hearts and set captives free.

From general conference

“One of the most cherished titles of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is “Prince of Peace.””

— Elder Quentin L. Cook, “Personal Peace in Challenging Times,” October 2021

Share in His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful, after class members choose a name from Isaiah 9:6.

Read the talk ↗

Songs

  • Joy to the World Hymns, no. 201

    The manual pairs it with rejoicing in our Redeemer. A joyful opening hymn for the Sunday after Christmas. Find it ↗

  • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hymns, no. 209

    A hymn full of the Savior’s titles, including the Prince of Peace from Isaiah 9:6. Find it ↗

This week’s invitation

One Name for the New Year

Before January, pick one name or title of Jesus Christ to study through 2027. Isaiah 9:6 is a good place to start. Write it where you’ll see it, and watch for it as you read the New Testament. This week, carry His light to one person in a dark season. A visit, a call or a dinner invitation all work.

Take it home

In Sunday School we read Isaiah 9. A land in darkness was promised “a great light.” A Child would be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. That’s Isaiah 9:2 and 6. At dinner, read Isaiah 9:6 together. Let each person pick the name of Jesus Christ they’d like to learn about in the new year.

📝 After class

What worked? Who needs a check-in this week? Jot it here on a printed copy, or in the app’s private class notes.

Got extra time?

🕊️ Liberty to the Captives · 4 min

  1. Read Isaiah 61:1–3. Then read Luke 4:17–21, where Jesus reads it in Nazareth and says, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”
  2. Ask, “Israel knew captivity in Egypt, Assyria and Babylon. What kinds of captivity did the Savior come to end for us?”
  3. Read Isaiah 61:3 again. Ask, “Beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for heaviness. Which trade have you lived?”

🎶 Joy Before He Came · 4 min

  1. Read Zephaniah 3:14–17 and Moses 5:10–11. These people rejoiced long before the Savior was born.
  2. Ask, “Why could they rejoice while they were still waiting?”
  3. Ask, “What can we learn from them about joy in our own waiting?”

🎄 Traditions That Point to Christ · 4 min

  1. Read Exodus 12:26–27. The Passover was designed to make children ask, “What mean ye by this service?”
  2. Ask, “Which family tradition has helped you remember the Savior?” Follow-up: “Is there one you’d like to start or change?”
  3. Ask, “How can single people, new converts and empty nesters build meaningful traditions too?”

Sources

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version, the Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tap or click a reference to open it in Gospel Library. Start with the official Come, Follow Me manual; these ideas are here to help it come alive.

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