Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 8

DAILY DEVOTION #2

INTRO

This Sunday, during the first worship service, the choir will sing from Handel’s Messiah “For Unto Us All”. This wonderful piece is taken from ISAIAH 9:6

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

REFLECTION

Luke 2: reminds us that a child is born

John 3:16 reminds us that God “gave us his only begotten son”

But what about the “government shall be upon his shoulder”?

During the first coming of Christ, what “government” was placed upon his shoulder? Was it the message of the Kingdom of God? Or is this passage not of his first coming; but about his second coming?

Nevertheless, this wonderful verse used as lyrics by Handel continues to inspire us about the miraculous birth of Christ. This Christmas let us continue to wrestle with “why do we really need Christmas?”

THOUGHT TO PONDER

Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, his own did not receive him (John 1:11) except for a few (some shepherds, etc.). Ironically, magi from the east traveled great distances to bring forth gifts. These gentiles remind us of the sacrifice to worship the Lord.