For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV)
As I sit at my computer to share my thoughts with all of you today, we’ve just celebrated Christmas – the Birth of Jesus Christ, and we are looking toward the year 2016 that is fast approaching.
In the days leading up to Christmas, I heard it referred to as “the most wonderful time of the year” in a song, a movie and a poem. I know many people love Christmas and all of the festivities associated with it…the beautifully decorated trees, the music, the merriment, the great food, the time spent with family and friends and many other traditions that make Christmas such a time of celebration.
Yet, others find this time of the year to be quite difficult for any number of reasons, so I doubt that those people would agree that it is the most wonderful time of the year.
Isaiah 9:6 is a very popular Scripture these days, as it summarizes the “Reason for the Season.” In it, the Prophet Isaiah foretold of the birth of Jesus Christ – a Prophesy which was fulfilled more than two thousand years ago. I’ve seen it posted to several forms of Social Media, in church liturgies for Christmas, etc. It says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
These words remind us that Jesus is awe-inspiring and marvellous, He is mighty to Save us for all of eternity, He guides us with wisdom, righteousness and compassion.
But, what about the rest of the year? Isn’t Jesus’ birth meaningful ALL the time, not just at Christmas?
Because of Jesus Christ’s birth, Crucifixion, and Resurrection, His kingdom will endure for all of eternity – Jesus Christ will reign forevermore. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we ask that “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10) and that will happen as His children choose to do His will here on earth as fervently as we will when we are with Him in heaven. None of that would be possible if His birth had never taken place.
So, for everyone who just really can’t get into the “Christmas spirit,” take comfort, Jesus will come into your heart and will stay there for all of eternity when you ask Him to come. His faithfulness and commitment to you will never end, even after the 12 Days of Christmas are here and gone.
My prayer is, “Father God, thank you for giving us Your Son, Jesus Christ, born into this world as a baby to save us all. Thank you that because of Him, we can be have new life because of His Death and Resurrection. As we enter into the new year of 2016, please show us which way to go so that we will be in Your perfect will. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.”
