For to us a child is born, to us a son was giving, 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 NIV
This verse is a message of hope that was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin.
The Promise says, "for to us a child was born, to us a sone is given”. The Lord Jesus was not just born to Mary, he is born to all his people. He is born to us and given to us. The “us” in Isaiah first referred to Israel, and then extended to all who come under his grace an authority.
Christians see this as prophecy of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of these promises. His birth is viewed as the ‘ great light” that bring hope and salvation.
Advent is a period of preparation and anticipation leading up to Christmas, marking the four Sundays before December 25th. Each week of Advent emphasizes themes such as hope, peace, joy and love, helping us prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Christmas.
Why should we celebrate a season of Advent?
We prepare to once again celebrate His birthday while understanding He continually comes to us who are His children. His first coming is the foundation of our faith. While “we are already home,” His promise to come again and take us to our eternal home is the source of our hope
The four weeks leading up to Christmas ought to serve as a time for Christians to celebrate, remember, and anticipate. We celebrate the first coming of Christ as a child in a manager. We remember the perfect life He lived and the sacrifice He made so that we might be in fellowship with God. We anticipate His second coming by observing Advent as a time of anticipation for the celebration of Christ’s first coming we can also look forward to his second coming.
What should we anticipate
Advent is a season of patient waiting and anticipation, both for the historical event of Christmas and for the future return of Christ.
Experience joy not because everything is perfect, but because God is with us and his joy is already breaking into the world.
It invites Christians to deepen their faith and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth, while also embracing the hope of his return.
Overall, the passage is a message of hope that transcends its original historical context, offering a vision of a future where a (Righteous Ruler) will bring lasting peace and joy
I leave you with this thought: “What if we anticipated the return of Jesus as much as we anticipant the thrill of Christmas morning”?
May God bless you and your family this Christmas season. And may Jesus be at the fore of your celebrations.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
Advent is a time of remembering and reflecting on the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray that we will turn our hearts toward you , listen to your voice and focus on what’s really important as Christmas approaches. Let us not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and miss the chance to celebrate the gift of hope, peace, joy and love you sent to us that first Christmas. That first Christmas , you gave us the gift of hope wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid it in a manger. Thank you for your immeasurable gift.
In Jesus Name...Amen
