These have been the words we have repeated lately; to our friends here who don’t know, and to ourselves, too, with a smile. It might not ‘feel’ like Christmas here, but two days from now, we will celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world—whether there are Christmas trees and snow in Cambodia or not.
I have been meditating on these prophesies from Isaiah this week; and really can’t get over how amazing they are; in the context of the whole Story, and spoken 700 some years before Jesus was born.
All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). (7:14)
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. (9:2-4)
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. (9:6-7)
In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place. (11:10)
I have been so blessed to witness this 'banner of salvation' across the world this past year.
Christmas=Jesus: GOOD NEWS indeed.
2 comments:
Gretchen,
I came across your blog through Katie's. I started at the beginning (2007) and have hardly been able to stop reading. Not only are you a gifted writer, but you are truly an inspiration. The past few days I have laughed with you, cried with you, and prayed with (and for you). Your faith amazes me, as does your determination to follow Him no matter the cost, no matter how hard it is. May God continue to bless you on your journey. Much Love from Tucson!
Jen Jupin
Jen, thanks so much for your kind words. what a great surprise to hear from you! thank you for reading; it always is surprising to hear from someone reading my blog from afar! it means so much ;) hope all is well at umc; I really do miss bmt nursing sometimes! blessings and love. xo
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