The Messenger

Isaiah 7:14 (NIV) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Immanuel means “God with us”.

Seven hundred years – 700 years. That’s roughly the amount of time passed, from when Isaiah foretold of the incarnation of God until the prophecy was fulfilled by the birth of Jesus. It took that long before God sent His Son into the world.

If anyone knows the meaning of the word “patience”, God does.

Now here we are, living in the “instant” generation. Time is so precious. We never seem to have enough of it. Perhaps that is why we come to expect everything "now". The Christmas season has turned from a celebration into a race against time.

The proverbial gun goes off around Thanksgiving and the contest is on to find the “perfect” gift for everyone on our Christmas list. Retails work us into a frenzy by reminding us continually that, “There are only “x” numbers of days until Christmas”. “Shop now and save”, “Last minute shopping”, “Don’t disappoint the children”.

Before you go any further today I ask you to take a moment … to slow down. I remember a little childhood song we used to sing to our kids. “Be patient, be patient, don’t be in such a hurry.”

The perfect gift was already given to you and me by God. His name is Jesus – God with us. He wants us to keep him in our heart and mind every day and tell everyone about Him. He wants us to remember that Christ came into the world to save us and that he is coming again. When will he come? No one knows but God. I know that doesn’t sit well for the “instant” generation but it is enough for me. I admit though, I too need reminding from time to time – to be patient.

Do you know what the side effect of patience is? Peace.

When Jesus’ life on earth was complete, God gave us the Holy Spirit to comfort, encourage and teach us to be secure and content until His return.

John 14:26-27 (NIV) ²⁶ But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

So please, don’t let the burdens of the holiday or the frenzy of this world, deprive you of the peace that Jesus left as his gift to you.

My son (the budding journalist) tells me I am the King of the cliché but I think it’s a reflection of one’s age. At the risk of seeing my son roll his eyes one more time in dismay let me just remind you that Jesus TRULY IS the “reason for the season”.

May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Have a Very Merry Christmas - S.D.G.