by Julie Pegump, Children's Ministry Associate
“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.”
Isaiah 9:6 is easily my favorite Christmas passage in the Bible. And it was written more than 700 years before the birth of Christ! There is nothing I enjoy more than reading Old Testament prophecies that point to Jesus. It reminds me that God is ALWAYS in control. He has had a plan from the beginning and He ALWAYS keeps His promises.
Isaiah goes on to say in verse 7, “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t find the month of December very peaceful. It always seems to be the busiest month of the year! There’s shopping, holiday gatherings, cookie baking, traveling, basketball games, work parties, school, family expectations, more shopping, decorating, service projects, guests in your home, and last minute shopping! I didn’t even mention everyday life things like laundry, dishes, and runny noses. Will there really be no end to the increase of His peace? Why do we stuff the Advent season full of things that can easily take our focus away from the Prince of Peace?
Many of you love the Christmas season. Maybe the hustle and bustle of it all are part of why you love it. Whether this is you or you are someone who would rather hide from it all, I would like to encourage you to pause in this season and consider the Prince of Peace. Consider if His peace rules in your heart.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3
When I feel overwhelmed by the busyness of the holiday season, my heart and mind are only healed when I pause and fix my eyes on the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His reign in my heart truly has no end, no matter the season. May God grant you times of peace throughout this month to worship and adore our amazing Savior!