The Christmas Promise

While other houses around here are sporting fall and Halloween decorations, we got a jump on them and put up Mom’s Christmas tree already!  This is something I thought I could do for her during my short visit, but it does bring a sense of excitement to see it shining there in the dark of the early morning.  Another part of Christmas that I look forward to is listening to Handel’s “Messiah,” even if it’s only on a CD.

Part of that musical work is based on Isaiah 9 which I read this morning.  The light shining in darkness is even more poignant as the world grows dark around us and we long for the light at the end of that tunnel. 

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine…
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. 

In my Bible I have written “Jesus!” in the margin.  It’s a very familiar passage which we associate with Christ’s birth at Christmas.  But the next lines have definitely not yet been fulfilled:

The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice
     from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies
     will make this happen!

Oh, how I long for this part of the prophecy to be fulfilled!  Jesus Himself will rule singlehandedly with true peace, justice and righteousness.  No more scam, scandal, selfishness, secrecy, oppression, violence, deception and all the other things that characterize government and society today.    I am committed, by God’s grace, to stay the course.  Not to give up in despair or to give in to the forces of evil (even those in sheep’s clothing).  It will be worth it all when that glorious kingdom arrives!

Maranatha!  Come Lord Jesus!