Listen:
“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 greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Reflect:
My husband and I traveled to the mountains to prepare for the arrival of our children and grandchildren. Colored lights lined the split rail fence but only on one side because we ran out of lights! All the gifts have been purchased and wrapped but, I somehow lost one set of boy pajamas between here and there. It’s annoying that my best-laid plans have dents, but even now as I sit at the window watching for loved ones to arrive, I feel God’s gentle invitation to turn toward Him and be helped to find Immanuel in the middle of it all.
With all the flurry of “Christmas busy” behind me I surrender to this holy pause and let the words of Isaiah linger around me. I read them over and over again.
“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
It feels like being shaken out of a stupor and awakened to the divine arms that enfold me with peace and power. The reminder that the mighty and righteous God reigns with greatness, now and always, brings a deep comfort to my soul and seems to whisper over me,
“Rejoice!”
So each night when the Christmas lights turn on I look down the driveway, half lit, and smile. The grandchildren’s “pajama picture” will have seven little ones fleeced in red and white Santas — and one in royal blue long underwear. I realize that there is no gift that will satisfy THE THING we search for as we unwrap ALL gifts because, ultimately, it’s not a WHAT but a WHO that we are looking for — and, His name is Jesus, Love’s perfect gift, Immanuel — God with us now and forever!
Prayer of Response:
“Thank you, Father, for your perfect gift of love and for the ways you help me find Immanuel in the middle of my life. Amen.”
Questions to Ponder:
- How do you feel when your best-laid plans fall short?
- Have you felt God’s gentle invitation to turn toward Him and find Immanuel in the middle of your life?
- What does it mean to you that God is a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace?
Breath prayers:
As we enter the second week of advent, join us in praying breath prayers of PEACE each day. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale: My peace
Exhale: I give you
—Submitted by: Judy Villanueva
Judy lives with her husband in Colorado. She completed her masters at Fuller Theological Seminary, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Spiritual Director, and writer. Her Bible reflections can be found at listeningforlove.net)