December 12
"Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end." -Isaiah 9:5-6 (NIV)
The prophet Isaiah lived in a time of great darkness and danger. The northern part of Israel had been defeated by enemies and the people were carried into exile. Indeed, it was in exactly such a time as ours of war, despair, terrorism, high taxes, uncertainty and great personal danger that Isaiah prophesied a day would come when all people walking in darkness will see a great light and "on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light will dawn." (Is. 9:2)
Isaiah said God Almighty will increase our Joy and many will rejoice for "he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Is.9:2-6) This prophecy remained unfulfilled for long centuries of conflict and darkness. But this scripture was fulfilled when Emperor Augustus ruled the world and the angel Gabriel appeared to a young Jewish virgin announcing, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, Mary, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."
In Advent we have a chance to celebrate that darkness is receding and the light of Christ is expanding through our Wonderful Counselor, Jesus. John referred to Jesus as the "true light" (Jn.1:9) and Jesus referred to himself as "the light of the world" (Jn.8:12). Whenever we see colorful lights this season, may they remind us of Christ, our true Light. In times of deep darkness, God promised through the prophet Isaiah to send a light that would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. He is indeed both "Wonderful Counselor" and "Mighty God." Isaiah's prophecy of hope is still being fulfilled this December in the Advent of Christ and establishment of his eternal Kingdom in us. He can still turn any darkness you may be facing today into the freedom of God's light. Rejoice! God's Wonderful Counselor walks with you always!
Prayer: Lord God, May your Counselor live within me. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Christ's light makes darkness bright!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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