Isaiah 9 New International Version (NIV)9 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—
2 The people walking in darknesshave seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darknessa light has dawned.3 You have enlarged the nationand increased their joy;they rejoice before youas people rejoice at the harvest,as warriors rejoicewhen dividing the plunder.4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,you have shatteredthe yoke that burdens them,the bar across their shoulders,the rod of their oppressor.5 Every warrior’s boot used in battleand every garment rolled in bloodwill be destined for burning,will be fuel for the fire.6 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 calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peacethere will be no end.He will reign on David’s throneand over his kingdom,establishing and upholding itwith justice and righteousnessfrom that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almightywill accomplish this.
However and wherever you celebrate this Christmas season you could find yourself in a season of joy, peace, patience, trial and or tribulation. For some it could be the celebration of new life or baby to come. For others it could be missing love ones, or the recent death of some one.
As I continue to read the Bible, and the old I get, the more that I realize that we really don't read the Bible, that is to say, the Bible reads us. How we live, how we love others and how we yield to the Spirit that is within us remains our path through life to finish well. What I continue to realize is that there is not a single thing that we go through that Jesus does not understand or has not gone through on account of our sins. He loves us, even to a death on a cross.
This season, ask yourself who Jesus is to you. Is He:
- Wonderful
- Counselor
- Mighty God
- Everlasting Father
- Prince of Peace
- King of Kings
- Lord of Lords
- Light
- Jehovah
- Emmanuel
- Jehovah-Yahweh
- Adonai
Who is Jesus to you? Do you know Him as Savior? As Wonderful, as Counselor as Mighty God? As a legacy dad, as a disciple of Christ - we want you to know and believe that God loves you more than you and I could ever imagine. He wants more from you and I then for us just to know Him - He wants a relationship with you and I.
Blessings,
Dante