Pastor's Pondering

 

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Great Reasons to Celebrate Advent

by Duane Mabee on November 30, 2017
This year, the Advent season begins on Sunday, December 3.  Advent is a time we set aside each year to focus on the first coming of Jesus Christ and to prepare our hearts to celebrate all that God did for us on the first Christmas. 
 
The word “Advent” means arrival and it refers to the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, into the world.  Jesus’ birth is important because more than 2,000 years ago, God stooped down from Heaven and became a human being.  God initiated intimate contact with us in this way because He loves us and wants to be with us forever.  He loves us, but there is a problem that separates us from Him, and He came to solve the problem.  On that first Christmas, the Son of God was born as the Son of Man.  But, He wasn’t just any man.  
 
Isaiah’s words should give us strength, hope and joy.  They should fill us with confidence in God and in His love for us.  They provide great reasons for us to celebrate Jesus this Advent season.
 
The prophet Isaiah told us what the Child born on that first Christmas would be
 
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Is. 9:6-7 ESV). 
 
The Child would be a human child – one of us, one like us – but He would also be very different from us.  He would rule in a very significant way.  “The” government – all government will eventually be placed on His shoulder.  He will reign over all things.  His Name and His character will be called Wonderful Counselor – no one ever taught like Jesus or did the kinds of miracles He did.  He is the Mighty God – He became 100% human, but also remained 100% God.  He also is the Everlasting Father – this Child is the Living Word Who has always been and always will be.  He is the Creator of the universe.  He is the Prince of Peace – He will bring everlasting peace on earth, and He made it possible for us to have peace with God.  God Himself will ensure that all of this is accomplished. 

Isaiah’s words should give us strength, hope and joy.  They should fill us with confidence in God and in His love for us.  They provide great reasons for us to celebrate Jesus this Advent season
 
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