Christmas and The Final Word

“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

A lot of us are coming into Christmas this year a little different than we were last year. Because let’s face it – a lot has happened. Many of us are scared. We’re nervous. Some of us are even grieving this holiday season.

We’ve come to distrust our government and our neighbors. We’re worried about our health, our families, and the economy.

Between disagreements and racial tension, there’s so much going on right now.

So is everything really still on His shoulders? Is this scripture from 2,000 years ago still relevant today? Does that baby who laid in the manger so long ago actually have everything under His control?

The Final Word

Most of us have a tendency to kind of just let Christmas come and go. We do all the things. We set up the tree, bake the cookies, buy the presents and spend time with family. But this year the focus is a little different. We sense more of a connection between Christmas and the final word because of what we’ve seen.

The message of peace rings a little more true. The idea of joy feels a little more needed. And to know that there is security and hope on the shoulders of Jesus means more than ever before.

It’s hard to trust that this virus, much less our government, or the state of our world are actually on His shoulders and under his control. But it is. And it always will be.

I don’t know where you’re at this Christmas, or what’s going on in your life or family. Maybe you’ve been through a lot this year, and you’re not sure if life will ever feel light again.

But know that everything heavy that you carry is already on the shoulders of Jesus. You know that little baby in the manger on your mantle? THIS is why He came.

He is a counselor to the hurting. A Father to the lonely. Mighty to the weak. Peace to the disrupted.

Wherever you sit today, in the middle of whatever you face this Christmas, I hope that just for a moment, you would let yourself celebrate. Not because everything that happened this year was worth celebrating. But because the Maker of the Universe has sent you the ultimate gift.

“All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything.” – Ephesians 1:20-21 MSG