December/January - Unto Us a Child is Born

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.

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.

Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.

So goes one of the seasonal readings often read in carol services, recorded in Isaiah 9, some 700 years before Christmas. What was this that “prophet bards foretold”? Isaiah saw the coming of light, maybe to give direction to those walking in darkness, maybe to cast out fears for those near death. The coming child would grow to be a wonderfully wise advisor, helper and friend and yet he was God too. He would show us the heavenly father and would demonstrate a way of living that would bring peace. In fact he would usher in a new kingdom, not of earthly power, but one that would ultimately bring fair governance and everlasting peace.

In a world seemingly further than ever from outward peace, I pray that we would all be able to find direction and that inner peace that Jesus offers us this Christmastide.

Have a great Christmas and a happy new year

Andy