December 13 & 14, 2014
Christmas is a time for the light to shine. I read this week about people in
distress, walking in darkness and experiencing gloom. This seems to describe
what is in our news everyday, but these phrases come from Isaiah 9, written 700
years before Jesus was born. The chapter turns a corner to point the reader to
a light that will dawn, bringing joy, freedom, and peace. From the vantage
point of ancient history, Isaiah 9:6 predicts the arrival of the One who would
come as Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world, dividing all of human
history in two. The words of our key verse are familiar at Christmas time
because of their inclusion in Handel’s famous Messiah oratorio.
“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.”
Come worship with us this week as we take this verse apart in a way that will
equip us to get it together and shine this Christmas season.
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