Advent 2017 Devotional - Dec. 8

Isaiah 9:2-7

“To us,” said Isaiah’s prophecy, “a child is born, to us a son is given.” His words had echoed through the centuries. “Wonderful counselor, mighty God… He will reign on David’s throne, forever.” Imagine Mary’s feelings as it dawned on her that the “us” in that famous prophecy now meant her. She was the one who would bear the long-promised child. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Yet even after meeting Jesus, Paul would write, “Now we see a dim reflection” (1 Corinthians 13:12). In what ways has Jesus already lit up your dark world? In what ways are you waiting for the full glory of God’s light? We sometimes miss verse 5 of Isaiah's message: “Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning.”The child to be born,he said,would be called “Prince of Peace.” How can you more fully follow the Prince of Peace, and resolve conflicts in his way, in your day-to-day dealings with others?