December 2007
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness -- on them light has shined... For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:2, 6)
These words of the prophet Isaiah were directed to a displaced people. Remnants of a nation, the people of Israel, were struggling in exile; forced to live in Babylon. They were a people in a foreign land with little or no hope. They felt lost. They felt abandoned. But God had not abandoned them. God spoke to them through the prophet as he delivered the message of hope for God’s people; for a Messiah was to come who would be called Emanuel, literally God with us. They became a people who lived in expectation; a people who trusted God at his word; though they would wait for centuries for the fulfillment of God’s promise.
Today, as we read these words at the beginning of the Advent season, let us also remember that we too are in need of this same Messiah. But for us, faith has become sight in that we are keenly aware that Isaiah’s words point to one person; Jesus Christ. We know in the surety of historical hindsight what those who came before only hoped for in faith. Yet today, we still sense the power and authority of these wonderful words of the prophet. We can sense the excitement and expectation of those who first heard them so long ago. That’s because these very words hold for us the excitement and expectation of our hope as well; not just for Christmas and the birth of Christ with all that means, but also for his promised return as we sing out “Oh Come, Oh Come Emanuel”…
As we begin the Advent season this year, let us eagerly share with others the kindness, generosity, peace and goodwill that are so much a part of the Christmas season. But let us move beyond just celebrating in the “Christmas Spirit” to celebrating in the spirit of Christ Jesus; whom God sent into the world, not just for us, but also on the behalf of all humanity. Let us make it a point to share kindness, generosity, peace and goodwill every day in every way we can so that others may come to know the love of God in Jesus Christ through us. Let us not simply share with others for a time, but all the time.
No event in all of human history is more significant than God entering time and space as a baby born in a manger; destined to rectify the sins of the world for all time. What greater love could there be than this? For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not parish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:16-17).
This Advent season, my prayer is that Christ will truly be the center of your Christmas and that your New Year will be one of great blessing for you and yours.
Grace and Peace, The Rev. Rob Hughes
Links to other sites on the Web
Read other letters in our Archivies from Pastor Rob
Read other letters in our Archivies from your friend Pastor
John
Home Page
Keep checking back for updates. Thanks.
Special thanks for music go to THE CYBER HYMNAL
© 1997
O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing