“Christmas is the gift from heaven of God’s Son given for free; If Christmas isn’t found in your heart, you won’t find it under the tree.”
Charlotte Carpenter
One of my favorite Scriptures during Christmas season is Isaiah 9:6: “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.” Isaiah prophesied the Messiah’s coming and he listed four descriptions of God who became man.
Wonderful Counselor: God has been my counselor and confidant. I have journals full of entries when I poured out my heart to God. He has listened to my hurts and frustrations. God has validated and comforted me, and shared words of wisdom and understanding. As a result, my heart has been restored.
Mighty God: I can testify to God’s mightiness, as He expanded my energy level-physically and mentally in our preparation to move. God is a force not to be reckoned with, as He possesses great strength and power. In my weakness, He flexes His muscles and shows Himself strong on my behalf.
Everlasting Father: My Daddy is always there for me. He promises to never, ever leave me or forsake me. I will never be abandoned by Him, because He is an everlasting Father. Like an earthly dad, God is my provider and protector. He is compassionate and when I’m fearful, I can climb upon His lap. My Father, picks me back up when I stumble and fall and He speaks destiny into my life. His love for me is unconditional and undeserving.
Prince of Peace: These past few months while packing up and unpacking a house, while disorder and confusion have ruled and reigned, He has been my peace in the midst of chaos. When I have had to process so much of the unknown, the One who knows, makes what is needed, known to me.
This Christmas, get to know the baby in the manger, and experience the Messiah’s attributes: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.
“You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father’s face and tell Him you have received His Christmas gift.”
John R. Rice
Relevant Reflection:
Which of these four attributes of the Christ-child, do you need to experience the most this Christmas? Ask Him to show Himself to you in that way.