"Birth of Christ", Albrecht Durer (1471 - 1528)How fitting that Isaiah 9 should reappear on our lectionary radar as it did in January of this year. My post in January was entitled "Walking in Darkness" and made the point that the coming of Jesus fulfills the prophesy of Isaiah 9, which says that the first to suffer will be the first to be redeemed. For the accountants in the audience this is a spiritual FIFO (first in, first out).
It seems fitting on this Christmas Eve then to continue the thought by noting simply that the light those walking in darkness will see is none other than a person, and a very little person at that, named Jesus. I once heard Howard Stern say he loves the baby Jesus. Why I was watching Howard Stern is something I have already confessed to my Maker. People who say such things in such a way don't really know the baby Jesus, because when you come into the presence of the baby Jesus, you are also coming into the presence of a person who is a Wonderful Counselor, a Mighty God, an Everlasting Father, and a Prince of Peace.
Each of these titles is packed with profound implication but let's just focus for now on the last one. The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom, which means peace, welfare, and completeness. Shalom is what is on offer for anyone who will confess their sins, repent, and commit their lives to becoming followers of the Baby Jesus.
May I invite you today, if you never have, to bow down before his manger, and enter into this life of Shalom? If you have already done so, but your attention has waned, may I invite you to renew your vow to follow Him? I can attest from personal experience, this is the best investment you could ever make (and there aren't many alternatives out there at the moment, are there?).
If you have been prompted by this post to make such a commitment or renew such a commitment I would also to hear from you so that I can rejoice with you and pray with you. Would you please send me a confidential email at the address listed under 'Visitors'?
Merry Christmas.
It seems fitting on this Christmas Eve then to continue the thought by noting simply that the light those walking in darkness will see is none other than a person, and a very little person at that, named Jesus. I once heard Howard Stern say he loves the baby Jesus. Why I was watching Howard Stern is something I have already confessed to my Maker. People who say such things in such a way don't really know the baby Jesus, because when you come into the presence of the baby Jesus, you are also coming into the presence of a person who is a Wonderful Counselor, a Mighty God, an Everlasting Father, and a Prince of Peace.
Each of these titles is packed with profound implication but let's just focus for now on the last one. The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom, which means peace, welfare, and completeness. Shalom is what is on offer for anyone who will confess their sins, repent, and commit their lives to becoming followers of the Baby Jesus.
May I invite you today, if you never have, to bow down before his manger, and enter into this life of Shalom? If you have already done so, but your attention has waned, may I invite you to renew your vow to follow Him? I can attest from personal experience, this is the best investment you could ever make (and there aren't many alternatives out there at the moment, are there?).
If you have been prompted by this post to make such a commitment or renew such a commitment I would also to hear from you so that I can rejoice with you and pray with you. Would you please send me a confidential email at the address listed under 'Visitors'?
Merry Christmas.
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