For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
These words from the prophet Isaiah are very familiar. We hear them every year as we prepare for the celebration of Christmas and once more receiving God’s promise of salvation through his beloved Son. Hearing them so often, it is clear to us what the prophet is saying in his foretelling of the birth of the Christ child. God will come to his people, taking on human form, invading our time and space. But imagine yourself a person in the kingdom of Judah, living in Isaiah’s time and hearing the prophet proclaim this message from God firsthand. Certainly, questions would come to mind. “Who is this child Isaiah is talking about?” “When will the child be born?” So many questions to be asked, so many answers to be given, but for now, all the people of Judah could do is hear the message of the prophet and wait for God to reveal what is to be done.
As the Church enters into yet another season of Advent, especially within a year such as this, the question becomes; “What are we waiting for?” One thing that would spring into the forefront is that we are all waiting for the coronavirus to finally run its course. We are waiting for a return to “normalcy.” As a people world-wide, we are waiting for the all clear signal that life would resume as it was before we had even learned the word COVID-19. But if that is all we are waiting for, once again we have missed the mark.
As so many people turn the pages of their calendars from November to December, thoughts of the Christmas celebration quickly move to the forefront. There are plans to be made, parties to
attend, cards to be mailed and gifts to be purchased, all while being sure to wear masks,
wash hands and remain six feet apart from others. Lockdown, social distance, and quarantine are words that have challenged us in the way we live. Still, it is nearly Christmas. What about the promise? Where do Isaiah’s words enter the picture for our celebration this Christmas?
Well, first of all, as we hear these words, we should remember they are words of Advent. They are words of promise and words of patiently waiting for God to act. Isaiah calls us to reflect on God’s promises. Isaiah calls us to a time of anticipation and a time of faithful waiting. The message of our Advent season is that, just as Christ came into the world so long ago, he will come again bringing God’s kingdom to his people in its fullness and glory.
As we patiently wait for Christ to come again, we respond in faithfulness to Jesus’ commandment to love God and love others as God loves us. Even during a world-wide pandemic, his love continues to be the calling for the people of God. As we await the coming of God’s Messiah, we must strengthen the relationships we share, remain diligent in our service to our neighbor, and strive toward greater faithfulness and discipleship.
Yes, we will celebrate Christmas. But this year it will seem different. Safeguards will be in place. Crowds within churches will be smaller, and the programs for the season will certainly be somewhat modified. But the promise remains the same.
As Isaiah said so many years ago, the Christ child has been given unto us. Christ invaded our world, taking on human form and reconciling people to God. Now we await that day when Christ will come again, just as he has promised to do. We actively wait by lifting up our voices in praise and thanksgiving, loving our neighbor as God loves us, and by passing on the good news of Christ to a world in need of God’s grace – just as we have always done.
Blessings to you all this Advent season, and peace to you as we celebrate together the Nativity of our Lord.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor David Nuottila
