For many years I spoke at holiday events on “The Christmas Light.” In the presence of the Advent wreath with candles, I shared the heartbeat of the message: “ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:4). I wove a message of inspiration of how Jesus is our light as we journey through life. He is our ultimate hope (Isa. 9:6):
"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".
This verse is well-known because it is in Handel’s Messiah concerts, in which the audience stands during the Halleluiah chorus. Does your heart stand in honor of the Messiah of hope today?
Dear friend, change is the good news of the Christmas story. When life seems impossible, heaven sends help.
"And the angel came to [Mary] and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you…Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God…. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?” And the angel replied to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God… For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:29–37 HCSB).
Take time to ponder Christ’s names below. What do you want Christ to accomplish in your life?
Wonderful Counselor: An astonishing advisor
Mighty God: The Almighty God; a strong, heroic, warrior champion
Everlasting Father: The First and Forever Father of All
Prince of Peace: Ruler, Captain, Chief, Commander of perfect peace and prosperity.
Choose a name of the Messiah that you want to hang your heart on and rest your hope in. Create art or buy an item symbolizing this name. Place this as a prayer prompt so when your heart is heavy, you look to your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
Now, just as in the times of Isaiah, people carry desperately heavy burdens. We all need a Savior to light our way.
