Most Wonderful


 
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7a

 
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Every year at this time something prompts me to borrow that line from the much loved Christmas song of the same name. It is the most wonderful time of the year but not for the reasons the media would like to sell us. This is what liturgical churches call Advent. When I was a child I was very confused by the juxtaposition of Advent and the secular preparations for Christmas.

In our church Advent was a solemn time. We prepared for the birth of the baby Jesus. That should be happy, right? Yes and no. Are we happy that Jesus is being born? Yes but because we know his whole story, we know about Good Friday and we know the part we play in it. That casts the solemn light on things. For while we were still sinners that precious Christmas baby, grown to a very young man, died for us. It is the most wonderful time of the year.

It is! Not because there are red, green, gold and silver decorations everywhere but because in a stable a baby was born, a baby who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God and Prince of peace. (Isaiah 9:6) He would grow to tell us all that he is the vine and we are the branches and that without him we can do nothing. (John 15:5). It is the most wonderful time of the year.

It is, because we sing about and read about the obedience of a very young girl named Mary who carried that baby into this world. She did it knowing that this was no ordinary child. She did it knowing that she would face humiliation and possible punishment. She didn’t hesitate, as far as we can see from Scripture and her behavior is a beautiful example to us of the blessings that come through serving our Father in heaven. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

It is because this time of year allows me and anyone else who chooses so, to live the Scripture, we love because he first loved us. (John 4:19 ) In a few days I will have the privilege of giving a gift that tells six people how much they mean to me and to God. Hopefully, they will see in that gift, that my love for them, constant and true as it may be, is sawdust when compared to the love of the Cross, the love that Jesus Christ has for each of them.

I will also spend time doing ridiculously messy but incredibly fun things with my grandbabies, another overflow of the love that is given to me by my Abba. It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. “For unto us a child is born…. and he will be called Wonderful Counselor.” It’s the most wonderful time…………….

 

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