Abiding in ChristmasSample

"Abiding in Christmas: Daily Advent Thoughts" by Bryan Craig

DAY ELEVEN

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 ESV)

700 years before Jesus was born, God announced His coming through the prophet Isaiah. Up to that point in history, God’s people had still wavered between faith and self-sufficiency. One generation would love God and serve Him wholeheartedly, while the next generation would appease their sin nature and fall for the temptation to worship other gods. They saw that when they served the world or themselves, they were in darkness, without peace and hope. 

We so desperately needed the Light that only God could provide. He was sending Jesus, a King who was a Counselor, God incarnate, a loving Father, and a Prince who would bring peace. We still need the Light of Jesus, now and forevermore.

APPLICATION: This Christmas, is Jesus your King, your Counselor, your God, your Father, and your Prince of Peace? If not, you may be celebrating a man-made Christmas.