For a Child Will Be Born to Us

This past month, I prayed with many believers whose hearts were heavy. They were mentally and spiritually weary. The world’s sins had overwhelmed them, and some had even teetered on the brink of hopelessness. Many were trying to understand how we had gotten here, meaning darkness, decadence, and apathy. Some reminisced and spoke fondly of their childhood, “Things were better when I was a kid.” They offered comparisons like, ”My generation had values. The generation today is godless, hopeless, and without a moral compass.” Such statements are commonplace when we reflect on bygone eras with rose-colored glasses.

The reality is that those of us raised before social media were shielded from the sins of this wicked world. Now, technology has invaded every aspect of our lives. We are exposed to 24-hour cable news, social media posts, and cell phone recordings that capture people at their worst. We watch in horror, yet we should not be surprised.

Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the forbidden tree, mankind has been a slave to sin. Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, “So there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one might say, “See this, is it new?” Already, it has existed for ages which were before us.” Every generation after Adam rejected God; sadly, the modern world is no different. In defiance, the people boldly asked for a king to rule over them. God acquiesced to their pleas. 1 Samuel 8:7, “The Lord said to Samuel, Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.” Yet, God is merciful and faithful. He gave Isaiah a prophetic word for the coming Messiah.

Our Heavenly Father promised to save us despite our obstinance. As we assess the challenges and heartbreak of this year, let us reflect on the promise foretold in Isaiah 9:6, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders, and His named will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah encouraged the people that even though the world is undoubtedly sinful, do not lose hope. Take heart and rejoice that a child will be born to us! Jesus Christ is The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).

Celebrate this holiday season and the coming year by meditating on Jesus’ words in Revelation 22:13, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

My friend in Christ, remember that Jesus is on the throne and He will never leave nor forsake us.

May God keep you and bless you,

Tika