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 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. (Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV)
Celebrating the Christmas holidays has changed a lot over the years. The quiet, homey observance of Jesus' birth many years ago morphed into a secular, commercialized event. Political correctness and an over-reactive effort at tolerance changed the tenor of celebrating Christmas. Some people and businesses are afraid of offending others with the traditional greeting "Merry Christmas."
It's not a cultural battle, it is spiritual. Reminding people "Jesus is the reason for the season" is fine, but it won't change hearts. God is the One who changes hearts.
Digging Deeper
- How are these two verses directly related to Luke 2:8-14?
- What great promise is told in the first verse?
- What else is spoken about this Son, and who He is?
- How will He govern and lead? When and where will it begin?
Reflection
My daughter, now in Germany, tells me Christmas is celebrated in a more traditional way. Shops and restaurants close on Christmas Eve. People greet one another and celebrate age-old Christmas traditions, as they have for decades. But religious traditions don't replace relationship. God's government is far different from any government on earth.
Where does God set up His government? The realm of God's kingdom is in the hearts of people.
[bctt tweet="The realm of God's kingdom is in the hearts of people."]