A Full Year

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 

Long, long ago, Isaiah wrote of the coming of the baby Jesus. He told not only of the coming of the Baby but gave the many names that would be given to this small babe. Many years were spent waiting for that prophecy to come true. God’s gift to mankind finally arrived in a manger just as the prophet had promised. Today, we journey through our church year to find ourselves at last in the Advent Season. We leave the scarred dark feeling of Lent, the elation of Easter, enjoy the children of vacation church school, give thanks for our bountiful harvest at Thanksgiving and at long last find ourselves ready to greet the baby, our Savior. 

Walking down the aisles of the stores, I find myself searching for mention of the child. There is a lot of tinsel, many trees covered with ornaments, mention of Santa but no Christ Child. Finally, in the very back of the store, we see a small child holding on to his/her mother’s hand. He/she reaches for an ornament, and we find what we have been searching. Joy, love and hope for the future abides in this child. Hope that he/she will journey through life and find the baby still waiting in the manger. Born to all and born to bring peace to us and the world. 

Prayer: Dear God, once again, we have come to that wonderful time of year. Once again, the baby has come to bring peace in our hearts and minds and joy to the world. Thank you for your awesome gift over and over again. Amen.

Carolyn F. Olsen, from 2013 Advent Devotional