For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6, ESV
Our God became a baby. He came out of His love for us and His righteousness, showing His power and grace in restoring us to relationship with Himself.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6, ESV
The promise is not that God would make a visit to us. God has come, and He is reigning over Earth from Heaven through His Holy Spirit-filled Church.
Let us spread the Kingdom of our God who is with us.
Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah 40:10-11, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
Our sins have stacked up to heaven, deeper and more vile than we could know.
We have cut ourselves off from God, run from Him in our rebellion, and chosen to ignore Him.
Yet He has prepared this world for Himself, prophesying He would come for us and what it would look like, and He put it into writing through the prophets who spoke for Him.
And although we have done everything to push Him away, He has come after us.
We have kicked and screamed, run and hid, and complained and whined against God.
Yet, God came to us, comforting us amidst our sin and redeeming us from that sin.
He left the comforts of heaven to personally prepare us for Himself. He spoke through the Prophets, and John pointed us to Him, but He also came to this wilderness of a world to seek His lost sheep and draw them near.
He is strong enough to save us and hold us safely and securely.
May we seek the Lord who gives us confort, preparing ourselves by seeking His mighty and safe arms.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:6-7, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
We may do horrible things to ourselves, to each other, and against God.
We tend to commit so many injustices against each other, to seek manufactured kindness and perceived justice that still harms others, even intentionally.
Yet, God came to show us His kindness, the depths of His justice and love, using our horribleness and injustice to redeem us as our Savior and King.
His Kingdom is growing in this world, but there is still much work to be done.
Our mighty God is destroying strongholds and bringing peace to individuals and groups.
He became one of us here onthe earth, being born in the natural way, but He is currently reigning from Heaven. He has sent His Counselor to live in and through us to spread His rule across the globe and time.
We have failed time and again, yet He works in and through us – the redeemed of the Lord – to bring about righteousness.
So we do not lose heart in this broken and wicked world, rather we join with our Lord in zealously seeking those whom will be saved and ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.
May we seek the Lord who works in us to spread His kindness and grace and justice.
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17, ESV
As we live in this world, we will be encumbered and afflicted with worries, anxieties, and fears.
But our God can and does save us, giving us strength and joy in the midst of evil and suffering. Lean on Him.
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10, ESV
Our God holds us and defends us, and others will see the peace and faith we have in Him and want it for themselves.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12, ESV
God gifts us His strength and faithfulness in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, and this gives us hope for eternal life.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!