Isaiah 9:2–7 (NIV)
6 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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Luke 2:4–14 (NIV)
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
Mark 1:14–15 (NIV)
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Comment
Not long after the plates are pushed away and the wrapping paper is overflowing from the yellow bin, we get a notification about New Years. Then, Australia Day and the back to school sales start. All too soon, hot cross buns are here and mark the beginning of Easter. All the buildup over the last month —the decorations, the music, the parties, the shopping—has led to this moment, and now it’s over. Except, Advent reminds us that Christmas is not an end in itself. The truth, however is that Christmas is a beginning. When Jesus begins His earthly ministry in Mark’s Gospel, He proclaims, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” The good news is that Jesus has come to reign as our King and is coming again soon to fully realise His kingship. The hope, joy and anticipation of Christmas is meant to be kept alive in us, all year, as we keep looking to and trusting Jesus, our God who is with us.
This Week
What are some practical ways you can continue to live in the joy of the Saviour’s reign, even after the Christmas activities are all finished?
Prayer
Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever
Song
O Holy Night