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.
7 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 NIV)
In this Christmas season, I find myself extremely busy on every front – work, home, church, family, friends, ministry. The busyness of the season is no different than many past Christmas seasons.
The difference this year? I am deeply drawn to a quietness of heart and soul, to focus on worship of the God of the universe, the Christ of Christ-mas.
Even though God was fed up with the Israelites’ disobedience, stubbornness, and rebellion, He still loved them and sought to redeem them for His own. Today’s passage is a reminder that God kept the first part of His covenant, and will one day fulfill the rest.
The Israelites’ story of waywardness is our story, and their Promised One is our promise. God’s pledge of redemption is still faithful for us today as it was for the ancient Israelites in their day, and will be for our children’s children in their day.
In the next few postings, we’ll examine a few aspects of this Scripture as they speak to our hearts and lead us into deeper community with the One of whom this passage speaks.
As you draw near to Christmas, may you carve out time for quietness and reflection that leads your heart and soul to worship the Christ of Christ-mas.
Blessings,
~kevin
kevin lotz 
Merry Christmas Kevin! I was struck today by your admonition to “carve out” time for reflection on the Christ of Christ-mas. I thought of how in my life a sharp knife, deliberation and care are required for this task. Thank you for the reminder!
Merry Christmas, Christel! Yes – “carving”, as with a scalpel in the hands of a surgeon, not a cleaver in the hands of a butcher… May your sense of time be multiplied as you reflect on the Christ of Christ-mas, where a few minutes of quietness and reflection on Him refresh your soul more than hours at anything else. May you experience His peace in a mighty way this season.