We come to the end of our Advent devotionals for 2015, in part because it is no longer Advent. We shift from expectation, waiting, and hoping to celebration because, indeed, unto us a child is born!
As we read in 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.
As we drove to see family on Christmas morning, we listened to “For Unto Us a Child is Born” from Handel’s Messiah. (You can listen to it here.) Ben and I were commenting on the power and beauty of this song. It reminds me of the time my mother took me to a church in Kansas City to hear Handel’s Messiah. Even as a little girl, I remember being overwhelmed by the majesty of the music.
Today, I listen to this song and am amazed by the simple proclamation made repeatedly in the lyrics–1 verse, 39 words from the Book of Isaiah–pointing to the identity of Jesus the Christ. The Son of God is born, and this is who he is: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. A clear, simple message, echoing again and again in gorgeous harmonies knit together to make a beautiful offering to celebrate this God-with-us child.
For unto us a child is born! Amen!
May you be filled with joy in the days of celebrating Christmas and on into the next year. Until next Advent…
Molly Simpson, editor/organizer/copy and paste-er for Read. Reflect. Pray.