Merry Christmas everyone and welcome to my blog!
First of all, THANK YOU for your support and prayers as I am beginning the preparations for embarking on this journey. The World Race is something that I have been considering for a long time and I am so excited for this opportunity to trust the Lord even more and be apart of sharing the Hope that we have in Jesus to some of the nations that have yet to hear this good news.
In this season of Christmas, it is important to pause and remember the sacrifice of Jesus who left heaven and was born in a manger. Jesus chose to enter into our brokenness and our world. He left heaven to come to earth and He experienced the same pain and suffering of life that we do. We can take comfort in knowing that He is a God who can relate to all of the emotions and day-to-day experiences that we have. He lived life with 12 men and chose to invest in them and spend time teaching and discipling those around him. Jesus chose to love us even when He knew that He would be betrayed, beaten, mocked, and crucified on a cross. For us, it doesn’t end there! We have HOPE because of His sacrifices and we are made righteous because of what He did on the cross.
As we remember this Holiday season, and as we are entering into 2020, let’s pause and reflect on all of the prophecies that were fulfilled through Jesus’ birth and the words that are written in Isaiah about Jesus.
Isaiah 9:2-7
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, as his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this”.
The people of Israel had long awaited a Savior. The birth of Jesus brought Hope and Light to those who were walking in darkness. Today, Jesus continues to bring Hope and Light to every receiving heart. It is something that we rejoice and celebrate with joy because we know that the battle has been won through Jesus’ sacrifice. In all of the craziness, heartache, pain, and joys of life, we can hold onto the truth of who Jesus is.
HE is a Wonderful Counselor— He guides our next steps. He speaks identity over us. He is our guide and our comfort. He will never leave our side.
HE is Mighty God— Our God is Powerful. He is a Healer. He is Just and Good. He is All-Present and yet still cares so deeply for us. He is Victorious and Constant.
HE is the Everlasting Father— He will reign forever and ever. His Kingdom has no end. He is a Father and provides for His children. He is Sacrificial and Loving. His thoughts for us outnumber the sand on the seashore and He knows the number of hairs on our head. He knows us and His love will never run out.
HE is the Prince of Peace— He is the Giver of Peace and Comfort. He is the Giver of Holy Spirit who leads and guides and speaks to us. In the uncertain and the chaos, He is the Rock that we run to.
Forever and ever the character of our God never changes! We have hope in who God is and what He has done for us. So, in this busy holiday season, let us take the time to remember the faithfulness of the Lord in our own lives. Let’s pause and refocus on the character of God and who He says He is.
This is the God we serve! Let us continue to be after His heart as we enter the new year. Merry Christmas!
–Elizabeth
