Advent: Promises in the Divided Kingdom (Isa 9:1-7)

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.

Where do you find instruction?

Oprah? Dr. Phil? Talk show hosts? Parents? Friends? Your intuition? Psychologists?
Counsellors? Pastors? Mystics? Facebook? Reddit? Google? Traditions? Ancestors?
Society? Culture?

Where do you find strength?

Within yourself? your muscles? Capabilities? Attributes? Gifts? gods? Governments?
Gyms? Authorities? Networks? Experiences? Practices? Other People? The Mob? The
Majority? The Military?

Where do you find lasting love?

Family? Friends? Spouse? Children? Work? Colleagues? Money? Sex? Internet? Social
clubs? Fellowships? Community groups? Materialism? Religion? Career? Approval of your
peers?

Where do you find rest?

Sleep? Ignorance? Not knowing? Lack of conflict? Death? Quiet? Isolation? Retirement?
Holidays? Annual Leave? Festivals? Food? Presents? Thrill Seeking? Adventure? Soft
pillows?

Isaiah tells us that a day is coming when there will be no more gloom for those who were in
distress. As it was true for the faithful Israelites in that day, that their hope was in the Son
that was to be given, so it remains true for us that our hope is in the Son who has been
given. For a child has been born, and a Son has been given and his name is Jesus.

In Jesus we find the counsel that lights our path.

In Jesus we find the might that empowers us for the fight.

In Jesus we find the fatherly love that warms our hearts.

In Jesus we find the peace that refreshes our weary souls.

My dear friend, receive the gift of the Son for he longs to be your Wonderful Counsellor,
your Mighty God, your Everlasting Father and your Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Boon