Read Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV
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.
Today is the first of December! I would like to say that it marks the beginning of the Christmas season…but the reality is that as a society, we eased (maybe not so gracefully) into the season somewhere around the end of October. And for many of us, it has been go, go, go ever since! I will admit that I step into the fast pace of holiday prep long before I really should. Some of my preparations are needed for work and planning purposes, but some of the crazy and stress…well, those are just on me. I am sad to say that there have been Christmases when my joy and excitement were gone long before Christmas Day even arrived.
But as I read the verses for today, I am reminded that Jesus’ coming to be with us wasn’t really intended to trigger an all-out frenzy of activity and Joanna Gaines-worthy decor. He came to be with us and to change us…for the better. The words used to describe Jesus – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – don’t exactly give off a hurried and frantic vibe. Jesus came to be with us to give us comfort, strength, love and protection, salvation, and peace…that doesn’t end! Those are two pretty different atmospheres to live in.
We can’t really go back to the end of October, but maybe we can start over…Welcome to the 1st of December! Begin your ease into the Christmas season today by reintroducing yourself to the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Allow Him to set your pace as you invite him into your day.
