Monday, December 18

Dec 18, 2017 • Louise McEvoy • Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7 (NRSV)

"The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
    on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
    and the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.

For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
    and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
    He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."

Yes, I know that this passage is about the aftermath of Assyria's total destruction of the Northern Kingdom. Yes, I know the original audience was scared out of their minds, feeling lost and hopeless. Dark times indeed.

Yet, I too have been in darkness during my life. Darkness when my grandmother who raised me passed away. Darkness mixed with loneliness and depression. Darkness when I had my miscarriage. Darkness when I first heard the words, “You have cancer.” Darkness again when my dad died. Those were tough times and it was very difficult to see the light. It has been said that sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you look up. In those moments, when you get that glimpse of His light, when you feel the Spirit working through you and whispering, “I've got you,” you can experience wonder. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines wonder as “a cause of astonishment or admiration, a marvel.”

Thank you, Isaiah, for being the messenger, but when I read this passage, I know God is talking to me. Directly. I hear Him telling me that He loves me so much and that I should expect His wonder in all aspects of my life. The child born FOR us... a son given TO us...That He IS Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. For Christians, all signs point to Jesus. Be in awe and expect wonder, everyone. Expect it every day.