“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:7
Reflection
Amidst political turmoil, jealous leadership, searchers and seekers, and a young couple whose lives were interrupted by a holy message, a miracle happened. The longed-for Messiah, of which the prophet Isaiah spoke, was born.
In a year full of interruptions of its own on this Christmas Eve we too have been given the ingredients to ensure that God comes to us. It takes what it took for Mary and Joseph and those wise seekers from the East – belief and hope in God’s promises, loving obedience and a deep sense of expectancy. Together they create the perfect conditions for God’s own miracle for us.
Verse 15 conveys both uncertainty and hope. Joseph and Mary knew they were not safe to return to Judea whilst Herod was alive. However, given they had no idea how long he might live, they faced the prospect of being refugees for an extended period of time. However, there is hope in the longer term. As the prophet Hosea makes clear, harking back to the Exodus from Egypt, God will indeed call his Son out in due course, to Nazareth in Galilee.
Pray
Loving God, in the busyness, the challenges, the expectations, the sadness, the wonderment of Christmas, come with your presence. Give us a touch of that great miracle that is your Son Jesus Christ and fill our hearts and homes with the wonder, the power and the everlasting touch of your peace. Amen
Act
Light a candle sometime today and allow the light of Christ’s love to fill your home.
Bishop Karen
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