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. Isaiah 9:6
This verse most associated with the Christmas season, beautifully set to music by Handel in his work Messiah, is the hope of all the world, not to the future, but the here and now.
In doing my research and reading for this devotional I came across the words of John Chrysostom in a sermon from the fourth century. He ties the completely divine Son of God, to the unquestionably human Son of Man.
I know He was hungry, and I know that with five loaves He fed five thousand.
I know He was carried in a ship, and I know that He walked on the sea.
I know that He died, and I know that He raised the dead.
I know that He was set before Pilate, and I know that He sits with the Father on His throne.
I know that He was worshiped by angels, and I know that He was stoned by the Jews.
And truly some of these I ascribe to humans, and others to the divine nature.
For by reason of this He is said to have been both God and man.
God opened Heaven and gave His Son so that we would have perfect counsel, a strong advocate, a parent and PEACE!
Have a Merry Wednesday!
Gretchen