For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called wonderful, counsellor, the mighty God,
the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light:
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. Isaiah 9:2
the prophet foretold the great event; the change from darkness and the oppression of the shadows
of death… A child would be born, a son would be given. A great light would come,
Some seven hundred years later, in a small nondescript village a child is born. Unnoticed a new kingdom enters the world of darkness; with this seemingly insignificant event the prophecy is fulfilled and the world is forever changed.
No one knew what has just occurred, except for a few unsuspecting shepherds who witnesses a singular moment of heavens praise;
Glory to god in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. Luke 2:14
He lived unknown for thirty years, before revealing his true lineage: the messiah, the son of god.
He invaded darkness and reclaimed the world he created.
The child, now a man, reflected the father. John 14:9
the world had long decided what the messiah would be like and therefore they did not look beyond
their expectations and missed the moment of monumental change they looked at him and dismissed him.
He did not fit their prejudged idea of god or how he would reveal himself.
Their understanding blinded them to the very one who would give them sight and hearing. John 1:10
but the few who saw the truth, those who were open to have their hearts changed and their beliefs
challenged, god bestowed the right to become ‘children of god. John 1:12
we often see ourselves and the world through condemning eyes, eyes of darkness, but god saw and sees
the world through mercy and grace.
We see disqualification, he sees salvation (healing of spirit, soul and body).
We must learn to see ourselves and others through god’s eyes, eyes of light or we will withdraw into
darkness.
John 3:17
whoever believes and reaches out to him is guaranteed salvation.
But, whoever does not believe and therefore does not reach out to him, stays where they are: lost.
God will not leave us unaware of our need for a savior, however, if we choose not to seek and search
for him, but rely on our own abilities and understanding we are lost. ‘ john 3:18
“and without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to god must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6
his reward for your faith; a child in a manger.
He is the gift that gives us life, that life that keeps on living.
The light that keeps on lighting, the bread that keeps on feeding.
An embrace that never lets go.
Celebrate his joy in you who chose him as your gift from the father.