The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase 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.  Isaiah 9:2-7 NIV

When sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, so did darkness. The eyes of man’s understanding were darkened and wisdom and knowledge ebbed away. The truth became hidden to everyone except to those who hungered for it. While sin may be pleasurable for a season, it wreaks havoc wherever it is entertained. Sin will kill you. God created you for nothing less than truth and righteousness and therefore your spirit cannot be satisfied while any lie or any unrighteousness exists in your heart. Your heart hungers to be at peace with God, your creator. Jesus is the light we long for. We may look everywhere else, except the right place, for that light, but Almighty God has revealed to us the true light who lights every man – Jesus!  When we find Him – we experience His light and we know that He is alive and real.

When you find Jesus, the Light of the world, you find peace and you find joy. Joy follows Him like a shadow. Where He goes, joy goes. Everyone His presence touches is filled with joy. Angels brought the shepherds good tidings of great joy when they announced His birth. The Wise Men rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. The people He touched, healed and delivered were all filled with joy. His disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit, despite severe persecution. In his presence is fullness of joy!

Jesus is our victor. There is no reason for us to fight or shed blood again. There is no battle we face where He has not gone before us and defeated our enemy already. We simply go boldly in to the enemies’ camp to divide the spoil! We need never to fear an enemy again. We need never to be oppressed by an enemy again. We just enforce the enemy’s defeat.

Jesus is the child, born into the earth to conquer our enemy. He is the Son, given generously by the Father, to be a sacrifice and an offering for sin – sent to die as a ransom for many. The government is on His shoulders and His throne is established forever. He will rule and reign eternally in justice and righteousness. He is highly exalted – the King of kings and Lord of lords! He never changes – He is eternally the same.

But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” He also says,

“In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?Hebrews 1:8-14 NIV

Oh worship Him forever all ye people. He is worthy of our praise! At Christmas and every day of the year.

We pray God’s richest blessings on you and your precious family and we trust that you will have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

With much love – Pastors Rodney and Adonica, Kirsten, Kelly and Kenneth