“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.” (Isaiah 9:6)
In a time of deep darkness, God promised to send a great Light. Isaiah prophesied these words long ago, and time went by … 700 long years.
And then at just the right moment, Jesus came.
Miracle birth.
Light-bringer.
Hope-instiller.
Savior and Lord.
Given to “us.” To you. And to me.
He came to dwell among us.
He came to set us free.
He came, that we might have life, more abundantly.
If you have big needs today, be assured, He is a big God. Nothing is too difficult for Him to handle. And He cares about all that concerns you. Maybe you’ve experienced deep loss this year, or you feel all alone this season, and fear or despair have gripped your heart … you can bring it to Jesus. All of it, the brokenness, the questions, and the pain.
When we’re troubled and hurting, when we feel lonely or afraid, He is our Wonderful Counselor.
When we need to see a miracle in life, when we need someone to fight for us, He is our Mighty God.
When we forget who we belong to, when we need to be reminded that we’re greatly loved and cared for, He is our Everlasting Father who loves to give good gifts to His children.
When we feel anxious and worried, when we need a reminder that our future is secure no matter what swirls around us, He is our Prince of Peace.
His very presence in our lives gives us such great reason to celebrate. For amidst the chaos and busyness of the season, in the loss and brokenness that many have experienced this year, in both the joys and struggles of daily life, or the uncertainties that tomorrow holds, we can find rest and peace in Him.
In His Presence.
In His Truth.
For He is Immanuel … God with us. Always with us.
And He never changes.
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the gift of Jesus! We celebrate the treasure of all that He is in our lives, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and so much more. We recognize His Powerful Presence over all, and we worship Him as King of Kings and Lord and Lords. We thank you that you made a way for us to be set free through the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. Thank you for giving us the gift of eternal life, to all that have believed in Your Name. We bring to you today, every need and concern that we have, every fear and pain of loss we’ve experienced this year. We ask for your healing and grace, for your strength and your peace to fill us afresh. We draw near to you, and thank you that you are close. Our Immanuel … God with us.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
