The Presence of Advent

The season of advent, leading up to Christmas, celebrates both the arrival and the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As the prophet Isaiah declared, “…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders…” (Isaiah 9:6). Notice the “…is born…is given…”

Even though the prophet is prophesying hundreds of years before the incarnation, he not only predicts the coming of the Messiah, but he also acknowledges His Presence.

Isaiah continues, “…and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…”

This is the One we are celebrating in this season.

When I was a boy, I sung Isaiah’s words in Handel’s Messiah. At the time, I had no concept of the enormity of my confession. But now, I am beginning to understand.

He is here with us now. We can know Him; we should serve Him; and we must worship Him.

Why don’t you revisit the words of Isaiah this Christmas season - or perhaps revisit Handel’s Messiah?

Robert