For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (New Revised Standard Version)
This is such a familiar verse. We hear it every Christmas Eve and yet sometimes I find myself reading/hearing it on autopilot instead of with the wonder and awe it deserves.
A child – not a king or warrior as many expected, but a vulnerable child – who could understand our vulnerabilities.
…born for us, a son given to us – For us, to us – his gift offered to each of us, regardless of who we are or what we’ve been. This gift, given out of great love!
Authority rests upon his sh
oulders… not the authority of a dictator or tyrant but of one who lived and experienced a human life: the authority of a savior.
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Each of these roles offers us a glimpse of our Savior – and so much more! The One whom we can trust, believe in, turn to and worship.
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. “(from the hymn What Child is This?)
Stand in awe and wonder! Shout it from the rooftops! Christ the Savior is Born!
Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the gift of your Son. May we never take your gift for granted and may we share it with all we meet, not just in this season of Christmas but all year. Amen.
Wondering While Waiting: Ponder a time when divine love caught you off guard.
Amy – Leadership Team: Inspire. Ignite. Invite.
Elkhart, IN
