His Name Shall Be CalledSample

LIGHT

There has never been a time in history when we have had more information, the most advanced technology, connection systems, and science and mental health innovation than now. Yet despite all these advancements, no one has come up with a better solution for the deep longings and profound needs of the human heart, as God. As the chief architect of your heart, He alone knows how to meet every need and fulfill every longing.

This is the story of Christmas: God did for us in the person of Jesus what we could never accomplish for ourselves.

Yet, this should not come as a surprise, because the Prophet Isaiah made it very clear that the Messiah would be a perfect Savior for all who would choose to put their trust in Him. In Isaiah 9, one of the most commonly quoted Scriptures at Christmastime, we see not only what Jesus can do, but who Jesus is:

He is a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

These names ascribed to Him, would not only bring hope to the Israelites living under oppression, fear, political turmoil, and uncertainty but also, to us here and now living in a time that is remarkably similar in a lot of ways. Around the world, we see the suffering of so many, there is violence, racial and political division, and fear for what lies ahead.

The words of Isaiah are not simply sweet sentiments for a Christmas card, they are the very hope upon which we can build our lives. Hope, when you need help and wisdom because He is a Wonderful Counselor. Hope, when you feel weak or under attack because He is the Mighty God. Hope, when you feel alone or unloved because He is an Everlasting Father. Hope, when you are restless and lack peace because He is the Prince of Peace.

He is also our hope in the darkness. Isaiah tells us He is the great light, breaking through the darkness of sin and death. No matter how hard we try, we can never defeat sin or death. Our only hope is in Christ, who is greater than the darkness in and around us.

We adorn our trees and homes with bright lights during Christmas, as a symbol of Jesus walking into our lives and circumstances, demanding the darkness to flee. Jesus does not just possess or give off light. Jesus is light. When we walk with Him, the apostle John tells us that we too will have the light of life.

This means, all the fullness of heaven found in Christ, - His grace, mercy, love, goodness, and joy, - are all made available to us in every facet of life.

There is no place where His light cannot reach.

On the cross, Jesus exchanged our death for His life, our sin for His forgiveness, our despair for His joy, our need for His help, and our darkness for His light, which will never be overcome.

Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, for being the light of the world.Thank you, for bringing me from the dark into the light. I ask that you would help me walk in the light of your presence, every moment. Amen.