Advent Devotional - Day 24

Day 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE
DECEMBER 24 – Isaiah 9: 6-7
By: Russ Hauck

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 called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 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.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…” Thanks mostly to Handel’s Messiah, these are some of the most well-known words from the Old Testament. Simple words: powerful then and even more so today. Notice that Isaiah, who lived about 700 years before Christ’s birth, is proclaiming with confidence – not that the Son will be given, but that it has already happened! The words that follow employ the familiar symbolism of kingdoms and thrones and of government rule. We understand that Christ’s rule is one of peace and that he rules in the heart – and that His kingdom is really here and now, and not in some place that we aspire to in the future. We are God’s Kingdom and, just like the words of Isaiah, Advent is a renewal and a reminder of God’s eternal humility, love, sovereignty, and promise.

Most loving Lord God, we pray that Advent awareness will be renewed in us now and held by us throughout the coming year. For unto us a child is born; a Son is given. Amen.