Every December, we come face to face with the reality that Christmas is coming. For some, that sets off immediate alarms that “I have so much to do before Christmas!” For others, the reality of Christmas reminds us of what we lack, albeit singleness, the loss of a loved one, or sadness that it’s not the way it’s supposed to be this year. For some, we’re wondering how to mingle joy with the sorrows and atrocities we see in the world today. I also think some have a “Bah humbug!” attitude either because they’re not into “religion” or they just don’t like dealing with all the talk of Christmas.
I sense our current or past circumstances can cloud the reality of Christmas. We can avoid Christ in Christmas because we are simply not comfortable with Christ. Long ago or more recently, we decided He’s not for us. We’ve made up our mind and there’s no swaying us. For others, the challenging circumstances of sickness, loss, loneliness, financial woes, or other lack have made the true meaning of Christmas a blur. All we see is our circumstances in front of us.
In Isaiah 9:6-7, the prophet Isaiah broadens our view of the Messiah: “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. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness, from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Consider the key words “to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” Even though these events took place thousands of years ago (in Isaiah and the gospels) when a person or nation comes in contact with the Lord, that person is the recipient for the first time of a wonderful gift. A Son is given. It’s real. It’s not fake. It’s not far out. He is “God with us” and able to strengthen us, help us, guide us, meet our needs, and do day-to-day life with us. He shows us secrets about ourselves and counsels and guides us in our heartaches and struggles. He is all-powerful and Mighty and able to do what we can’t even comprehend. He is Prince of Peace, and able to give us supernatural peace in times of uncertainty and trials.
This is Immanuel, “God with us.” Isaiah’s Christmas prophecy promises hope through the promise of a child to be born. God chose to come into the world uniquely and humbly. Jesus was not what people anticipated. Many questioned Him. Many whispered about Him. Many rejected Him. Many turned their backs on Him.
Jesus didn’t fit the picture of who people thought He would be. Because of that people rejected Him. People still reject Him today. When God doesn’t do what we think He should do OR when He didn’t do what we thought He should have done, we reject Him too.
Will you let go of the way you want Jesus to be? Will you ponder these words in Isaiah 9:6-7 and ask God to reveal Himself to You in a new way? Will you let go of your expectations and demands of God? Will you invite God into your Christmas this year and ask Him to be real to You?
In Isaiah 9:6-7, the prophet Isaiah broadens our view of the Messiah: “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. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness, from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Consider the key words “to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” Even though these events took place thousands of years ago (in Isaiah and the gospels) when a person or nation comes in contact with the Lord, that person is the recipient for the first time of a wonderful gift. A Son is given. It’s real. It’s not fake. It’s not far out. He is “God with us” and able to strengthen us, help us, guide us, meet our needs, and do day-to-day life with us. He shows us secrets about ourselves and counsels and guides us in our heartaches and struggles. He is all-powerful and Mighty and able to do what we can’t even comprehend. He is Prince of Peace, and able to give us supernatural peace in times of uncertainty and trials.
This is Immanuel, “God with us.” Isaiah’s Christmas prophecy promises hope through the promise of a child to be born. God chose to come into the world uniquely and humbly. Jesus was not what people anticipated. Many questioned Him. Many whispered about Him. Many rejected Him. Many turned their backs on Him.
Jesus didn’t fit the picture of who people thought He would be. Because of that people rejected Him. People still reject Him today. When God doesn’t do what we think He should do OR when He didn’t do what we thought He should have done, we reject Him too.
Will you let go of the way you want Jesus to be? Will you ponder these words in Isaiah 9:6-7 and ask God to reveal Himself to You in a new way? Will you let go of your expectations and demands of God? Will you invite God into your Christmas this year and ask Him to be real to You?
Take a listen: Emmanuel God With Us (Chris Tomlin) https://www.youtube.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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