Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 15, 2024
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of heavenly forces will do this.
Good Morning! The joy of the Lord is my strength!
This is the Sunday of Joy. Today, we will light the pink candle: Mary’s candle.
When I read the Advent passages, music is playing in my head. George Frideric Handel did a masterful job setting the Christmas story to music. He captured the passion and the joy as he brought the singers and the audience through the highs and lows of the narrative. Great music lives forever and unknowingly uniquely fills our souls.
The 19th-century Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen, wrote, “Where words fail, music speaks.” Music has a profound ability to conjure up all sorts of memories and emotions. Music lives within the recesses of our spirit. Handel was blessed with the gift of creating and composing music to inspire the world.
Isaiah prophesied the birth of Christ about 800 years before he came. Prophecies come from God and are to be shared by the prophet to the people. Why did God choose this time to reveal this? Isaiah lived in a time of immense corruption and darkness. God’s people needed to receive words of hope and assurance.
Sadly, the corruption and darkness are part of our world today. It is time to read and embrace the words of Isaiah. Those who turn away from God will perish, but the Messiah will save those who believe.
“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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Loving Lord, We are your children! Help us put aside our distractions and focus on the joy of the arrival of our Lord and Savior. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Joyfully celebrate Christmas!
Live every day with joy! Pastor Liz
Comments