An age-old tradition is to go wait in line to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what you want for Christmas. You eagerly sit on his knee and listen attentively to what he says, hoping he will promise you the things you want. Sometimes on Christmas morning, you find that you can’t always trust Santa. But there was a promise given over 700 years before Christ that you can take to the bank. Under the anointing and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah promised that a Child would be born, and His name would tell His character (Isaiah 9:6).
He is the Wonderful Counselor. He is worthy of wonder because incarnation defies human understanding (Philippians 2: 6-7). He was equal to God, the Father (Philippians 2:6). Then why would God clothe Himself with humanity? Is it any wonder that the angels sang? That the shepherds rejoiced? That the Magi traveled for two years? Why would He love me so much? Why you?
He is also the Divine Counselor. He is a God who guides His people. The Christian God is the only one who loves his followers enough to become involved in their everyday lives. Those of you who know Him have probably already experienced His guidance in your lives. Scripture says, “seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths,” (Proverbs 3:6).
He is Mighty God. He has the power to protect us against the fiery darts of Satan himself and sometimes against our own foolish minds. He has the power to persevere when our strength fails, or Satan tries to drag us down. He has the power to provide, sometimes in the face of absolute impossibility (Philippians 4:19). He has the power to take us home to be with him (John 14: 1-3). This world is just a temporary stop.
He is the Everlasting Father – not the warped, worldly view of a father. If Father God was like the earthly father that many of us had, we wouldn’t want to love Him. It is amazing how much your concept of the Heavenly Father is shaped by the image of your earthly father, good or bad. He loves us with unconditional love. He loves us so much that He gave Himself away on the cross so that we will have everlasting life if we believe (John 3:16). He will be there for us forever!
You can’t depend on Santa. The jolly fat man will let you down. But I can guarantee you that Jesus will never let you down. Put your trust in Him, the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Have a Wonderful Christmas Season,
Pastor John