CHRISTMAS WAS JUST THE BEGINNING

Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:7

As s we look at our world today, we realize that part of the promise of Isaiah 9:6-7 has not yet been fulfilled. The Son has been given.

The Child has been born. But He has not yet taken the government upon His shoulders.

We do not yet have peace with judgment and justice. But the good news is that there will come a day when Christ will return. He will establish His kingdom.

Before Jesus could take the government upon His shoulder, He had to take the cross upon His shoulder.

Before He could wear the crown of glory as King of Kings, He had to wear the shameful crown of thorns and give His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

The first time, a star marked His arrival. But the next time He comes, the heavens will roll back like a scroll, all of the stars will fall from the sky, and He himself will be our light.

When Jesus was born, God came near to you so you could come near to Him. Jesus came to give your life a purpose and meaning, to forgive you of your sins, and to give you the hope beyond the grave.

Christmas is not about shopping or presents. Christmas is not about the gifts under the Christmas tree.

Rather, Christmas is about the gift that was given on the tree when Christ died there for our sins and gave us the gift of eternal life.

And very soon, he will come again to establish His eternal kingdom and rule in justice and righteousness.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for being the greatest giver for all time and eternity.

Scriptural Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7