A Child is Given

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Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

 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.

 

Devotion:

            It is advent time again. Christmas is right around the corner. We again call to mind the stories of Jesus coming into the world so long ago. We, also, renew our hope that this child will return again to claim us as his children and begin his reign in the new heavens and the new earth. Where there will be no more sin or sorrow. It is a season of already and not yet. The promise of his coming has been fulfilled, but the promise of his return has not yet been realized.

            The hymns and songs of the season ring all around us. Our spirits are lifted from the fog of day-to-day life to contemplation of a coming time when all will be well with us and our loved ones. We read our advent devotionals searching for some words of hope and comfort. If we have children, we begin to buy toys and things for our young ones. We search for that perfect gift for our loved ones and friends. The pace of life quickens as we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

            We are always in danger of forgetting just what we celebrate during this blessed season. The little baby was born in a barn to poor parents so long ago. Jesus the name that charms our fears and bids our sorrows cease. This one special child who will change everything. Our calendars are divided by his advent among us. As the days stretch into months into years we await this child, now the king of the universe, to return and rescue us from this world of sin and sorrow. Just as his first coming brought good news of great joy to all the earth. His return will be celebrated for bringing fulfillment of the promise of this passage from Isaiah.

            We all must watch and wait for news of his return. As we watch and wait, we celebrate his coming among us. We sing the songs of the season. We prepare our hearts to be open to receiving him as Savior and Lord. We, hopefully, find ourselves renewed in our faith. We must share that hope with a world that does not know him. This world is dark and cold we must bring the warmth of the love of this special child so that the world may know God has prepared for us, a light to show is the way out of the darkness of sin and sorrow.

Prayer:

            Lord, lift our gaze heavenward this advent season. As we celebrate your coming to earth over 2,000 years ago let us never give up hope in your return. Help us to praise you with the songs of the season. May we share with one another words of hope from the Holy Scriptures. We praise you for your provision for us during this season. May hope and love fill our hearts with awe. Amen. 

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