Christmas can be full of so much joy and deep sorrow at the same time. For some, there is a loved one missing from their family celebration this year. The pain is real. For others, illness has placed a severe damper on what would have been a wonderful time. I know some who abruptly had to change plans due to someone testing positive for COVID. Many are struggling with being alone, disappointed, or in emotional pain.
How do we navigate the holidays when we’re not feeling like we’re 'supposed' to feel?
Let’s look at a prophetic verse in Isaiah 9:6-7 for encouragement:
Let’s look at a prophetic verse in Isaiah 9:6-7 for encouragement:
"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
Isaiah described this newborn baby we celebrated just a few days ago as “all grown up.” He would be a government rule, and the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. Isaiah had been speaking to a discouraged Jewish community that was hoping for a way out of their darkness and gloom and doom. (Isaiah 8:22)
As you consider your own personal challenges, take a moment and reflect on these names of Jesus.
Wonderful- Jesus is beyond wonderful and able “to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20) What feels too big in your life today? Would you believe Jesus can do anything? Persevere in prayer. Believe in God for big things in your life. Trust Him for what you don’t see today.
Counselor- Where do you need guidance? What are you unsure about? Where do you need wisdom? Jesus is your Counselor. Run to Him!
Mighty God- Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” We all have times when we want to just take over and fix things. But we can’t. God can. Let Him.
Everlasting Father- He is our Father forever! The Messiah will be a father, and His fatherhood will have no end. Where do you need protection? How do you need Jesus to provide for you?
Prince of Peace- What hardships do you face today? What do you fear? We can ask for peace that comes from the love of God. It has nothing to do with our own strength or abilities or our circumstances. Jesus is peace. When we know Jesus as our Savior, He brings a peace that passes all understanding.
Isaiah described this newborn baby we celebrated just a few days ago as “all grown up.” He would be a government rule, and the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. Isaiah had been speaking to a discouraged Jewish community that was hoping for a way out of their darkness and gloom and doom. (Isaiah 8:22)
As you consider your own personal challenges, take a moment and reflect on these names of Jesus.
Wonderful- Jesus is beyond wonderful and able “to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20) What feels too big in your life today? Would you believe Jesus can do anything? Persevere in prayer. Believe in God for big things in your life. Trust Him for what you don’t see today.
Counselor- Where do you need guidance? What are you unsure about? Where do you need wisdom? Jesus is your Counselor. Run to Him!
Mighty God- Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” We all have times when we want to just take over and fix things. But we can’t. God can. Let Him.
Everlasting Father- He is our Father forever! The Messiah will be a father, and His fatherhood will have no end. Where do you need protection? How do you need Jesus to provide for you?
Prince of Peace- What hardships do you face today? What do you fear? We can ask for peace that comes from the love of God. It has nothing to do with our own strength or abilities or our circumstances. Jesus is peace. When we know Jesus as our Savior, He brings a peace that passes all understanding.
As we draw near to a new year, draw near to the One who freely gives so many blessings and life.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio
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