Christmas Hope

It’s Christmas.

We just had this thing called an election, in which we elected a man who promised hope. Hope. Hope that comes from change and involvement.

The economy stinks. Not as bad as some people think, but bad enough. And it will get worse sooner rather than later, because an economy based on luxury and debt might wobble back to its feet, but it won't stand for long.

What a season.

I know we get a little heavy around here, and that’s part of why I don’t post every day. But today, I want to put something on the internets about true hope in the holiday season. It’s one of my favorite Christmas passages.

Isaiah 9:6b

And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.

Recognize it? If you go to church you might hear it around the holidays. It makes a great Christmas sermon, because each name is so comforting. They fit so well with warm, candle-lit scenes of stables, trees and holiday cider, and families coming together for celebration and renewal. But this isn’t my favorite part of the passage. I like the part that surrounds it.

Isaiah 9:6-7

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.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.


Still recognize it? It’s amazing what a little bit of context can do to change the face of a passage. The government will be on his shoulders! Of the increase of his government there will be no end! He will uphold justice, and rule with peace! FOREVER! I can hardly believe it. After all, justice and peace are not the world’s way to maintain power. But this messiah is not a president or prime minister like any we have known.

This Christmas, it’s a little hard for me to stay with the baby Jesus in the manger. I want to read ahead. I’m anxious for him to grow into the man he was set to be. I’m anxious for him to Die and Rise, because only after that can he Return. And the Return is what I really hope for.