6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 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.
Questions for Reflection:
Of the four roles of the Jesus that are described in Isaiah 9 which one is particularly good news for you today?
How does it feel to know that God’s “zeal” is at work for your benefit today? Dwell on that and let it sink in.
Prayer of the Week:
Daily Opening Prayer
Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I rejoice in the fact I get to spend these moments in Your presence. It is so good to be with you Jesus, so good. You are so very kind to me. Please, restore me in You and renew me in you that I might experience all of You that is possible. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, saturate me in Your Love, saturate me in your Life and saturate me in Your JOY this day. Untangle me from my anxious thoughts, immerse me now in Your story – the story that includes me. I long to live expectantly this Christmas week. Help me see and seize your many kindnesses to me today especially your gracious kindness you will reveal in Your word to me today. (“You are welcome to take two minutes for reflective silence. You may do that by pausing this recording and hit play when you are ready to continue”.)
Daily Closing Prayer
Jesus, help me live every moment of this week in open expectancy. I do want to see and seize all you have for me. You are so kind. Help me rest in Your promises in Your word today. You are a so good. There is a really good chance my controlling expectations of people and events will take over at times. Help me Jesus in those moments to see the slippery slope I am sliding down so I can immediately turn to You, Your word and Your kindness to me. Jesus, in moments of disappointment I might succumb to the temptation to “give up” on Joy. Guard my heart and help me return to a place of anticipation and expectancy that Your love and kindness to me is real … help me wait for You. Today I long for You and celebrate You and Your coming to be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. You have shown me so much favor in your love for me in Jesus. Thank you Thank you Thank you. I Rejoice in God My Savior! I Rejoice in You Father! I Rejoice in You Jesus! I Rejoice in You Holy Spirit! Amen
