Tag: December 2017

“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

During this Christmas season, I’m reminded of the difficulties and hardships many people and families are enduring. Whether it is the lost of a loved one, losing a job, a broken relationship or even an unmet need of any kind, Christmas can be a reminder of what is lost. In response to this reality, the Bible provides an answer that can lift our broken spirits and heal our wounds: choose hope. Hope is not wishful thinking that something may happen. Hope is anchored in the reality that unto to us, God’s Son was given to be our remedy for a broken humanity. It’s a wonder to behold how God sent His Son through Mary’s womb to save the world. In unwrapping this wonder, we see what God has truly given.

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

This season may represent a deluge of decisions you need to make that affect your life. The encouraging word of Scripture in Isaiah reminds us that the gift of Jesus is wrapped as a wonderful counselor. This gift offers wisdom for everyday life that’s beyond our intellect, series of experiences or even our abilities. He counsels the nations but is intimate enough to counsel you through every trial, challenge and opportunity. This gift is waiting to be unwrapped in your life to affect change in our homes, communities, our region and yes, our nation and world.

MIGHTY GOD

The gift of Jesus is not only wrapped in intimacy but wrapped in power. Throughout the Word of God, Jesus is not only described as a gentle Savior but a mighty God who intercedes for us and shows Himself strong in our lives. I’m reminded of Psalm 147:5 where it declares:

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.”

We may wrestle with doubt, wondering if God will demonstrate the fullness of His power in our lives. Does He have the power to change this situation? Does He have the power to turn things around in my favor? Does He have the power to heal this broken heart? While these questions are fair to ask, the answer is not hard to come by. The Scriptures affirm He has the power. It’s our responsibility to seize it through prayer, devotion and seeking His face. Let’s unwrap the gift of our Mighty God who has the power to do all things but fail.

EVERLASTING FATHER

Unwrapping the gift of embracing the gift of our Everlasting Father may be difficult for you. Maybe your only reference to fatherhood was the absence of your father or the lack of relationship with one. This Christmas season, I return once again to the Scriptures that remind me that God is the blueprint of what fatherhood looks like. I can come boldly before the throne of grace and receive mercy (Hebrews 4:16). I can call on my Everlasting God, assured that He will answer me (Psalm 17:6). He may not answer me the way that I want Him too, but He will answer like the loving Father He is, knowing what’s best for me. If you’ve had a hard time embracing God as Father, allow this season of giving remind you that our Heavenly Father’s character is shown through the life of Jesus who cares deeply for you and will never leave you.

PRINCE OF PEACE

In a world riddled with violence and uprising, we can stand on the truth of Jesus being the Prince of Peace. For years, I wrestled with this title because I defined peace in the way the world does: a peace that’s either temporary or in flux but not reliable. Peace agreements have been settled and broken. Peace treaties have been trashed for the march to war and war profiteering. It can become disillusioning to see “the peace” the world offers. But, Jesus said this:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” – John 14:27

The kind of peace Christ offers is beyond our understanding but has the ability to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6). When you’re distressed, overwhelmed or filled with anxious thoughts, ask God in prayer for the Prince of Peace to enter your heart, occupy your space and take full control. While Scripture never promises the ceasing of our troubles in this life, we can respond in such a manner that reflects the peace that only God can give.

This Christmas, let’s unwrap the wonder of God’s amazing gift to the world and to every generation: Jesus Christ. I encourage you to prayerfully declare God’s Word and gift over your life. Join us at Christ Church as we celebrate Jesus at “Christmas Unwrapped” at our East Campus in Montclair, NJ (December 6-8 at 8 PM) and at our West Campus in Rockaway, NJ (December 14 & 15 at 8 PM). For more information, go to www.ChristChurchUSA.org. – RF

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