Isaiah 9:2-7:
‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.’
Well friends, here we are another year, another Christmas, and are in the midst of another year of craziness. Last year the omicron Covid variant went through our communities like a rushing tidal wave. This year, as I write, this snow is coming down outside my home, and most of Ontario expects a lot more before Christmas is over and done with 2022.
Due to all the uncertainty, these last number of days have been hectic, stressful, and anxiety-driven. What people would do over a week was accomplished in one or two days. As a result, stores were packed, shelves were empty, and tempers flared. People have been driving themselves crazy over this past week to ensure that people’s very best can be shared with friends and family this year.
Thousands of years ago, God set a plan in motion to send his very best to all. When sin entered the world, bringing death, brokenness, and separation from such close companionship with God, God continued to work and covenant with humans. Through generations and generations, He worked his plan and promised a Messiah to restore a relationship with humanity.
Then unexpectedly, that plan was fulfilled as God’s greatest gift was given to the world in a Bethlehem stable. 1 John 4:9-10 shares, “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (ESV).” Jesus brought re-connection and restoration to love Himself when He entered the world. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (John 3:16-17).”
Amid all the craziness of this year and the last, be thankful that the greatest gift that could ever be shared has already been given. Our response is to receive, believe, and share God’s gift of love with others. Friends, to you in David’s town this very night – a Saviour is born, Christ the Lord!
Merry Christmas.
Rev. Sean Angel
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