Amazing God, may Your love blaze a blessing upon the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 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 . 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor , as in the day of Midian. 5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 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. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (KJV)
Yesterday at breakfast there was a group of whom we believed were co-workers exchanging gifts. They were a loud group, laughing and laughing so hard some were crying with tears of joy and happiness. I don't know what gifts they exchanged and from the laughs I was guessing they were what some call "white elephant" or useless or comical gifts. They were having a great time being together and their joy spread over me. Isaish spoke of that joy of the time whenever the "light" would come upon the earth. Isaiah compared it to the joy of those about to harvest a great field or as those who are dividing a great treasure or those who enjoy each other so much they can exchange gifts, even funny ones. Why? That joy comes from the presence and power of God which is what Christmas is all about. God's presence can break the weight and burden of sin and in the midst of what may otherwise seem dismal, a child is born.
In the midst of what can serve to disturb and distress us comes this child who will "be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Beyond titles, we read God's promises of God's actions in our lives: The God who brings wonder; the God who counsels; the infinite God; The loving parent and the One who brings peace. The God whose reign will NEVER end. This is Christmas. You ready?
PRAYER: Loving God, may these promises be realized in my life and in the life of those in need. May I be a part of helping to bring about Your work in a fulfilling way, a way of love and peace. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
