Devotion: Planned
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 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 fire. For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon 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 rein on David’s throne 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
Each of these beautiful names for our God have meaning, if only we would hear them. Wonderful Counselor, pointing to him as a king who determines upon and carries out a plan or program of purpose that will cause the world to marvel. Mighty God, to his divine power as a warrior protecting what is his. Everlasting Father, to his enduring, compassionate love for us. And Prince of Peace, the change in us which can bring wholeness and well-being for all people. The Messiah would change us.
This passage is often read at the beginning of Advent. It speaks of a people who were lost and in darkness and it speaks to us. People lost in a world oppressed by our own sin and waywardness from a Father who loves us unconditionally. First, it was a message to encourage them (and us) for something was coming to change their world. And second, this change would bring a bounty of blessings that would affect them (and us) so profoundly that not only would our lives change, but our hearts would be changed to the very depths of our being.
Why is it so hard at times to see past the darkness? As Pastor Eric mentioned in Sunday’s sermon, we live in a world which often seems filled with darkness. A world full of uncertainty and teaming with emotions and judgements that label those around us as unreachable, undeserving and untouchable. Such as the recent trouble in Ferguson, MO. Even our own town with the 2 young people who recently faced the darkness and didn’t want to be a part of it anymore.
Yet, God has a plan! A plan to remind us of the depth of his love, and the lengths he goes to prove it to us. God often seems to me like the parent or caregiver of a toddler who moves things out of the way to protect them from getting hurt as often as possible. As a child care teacher, I have to giggle sometimes with our little ones. No matter how many “things” I move out of their way, or how many times I try to explain something, they will still trip and fall, and often flat on their face. They seem to be in constant “klutz mode” tripping over their own emerging skills and feet. And sometimes I see us as those same toddlers; trying to guide control our lives all on our own without help from anyone, seeing only the darkness in our way.
How do we bring Peace to this time, light to our world? Perhaps it can start with simple acts of bringing peace to those around us. A former pastor once told me he starts each day with the same simple prayer; “Heavenly Father let Christ be seen in me today.” The lady at the bank, the person at the gas station, or take out window are trained to ask simple questions; “Did you find what you were looking for? How are you? Have a nice day.” Just looking this person in the eye and answering them with a “Yes, I did! Thank you!” Or “I’m fine, how are you?” can change a demeanor immediately for the better because someone cared enough to ask.
As I begin the scurry of the advent season, I look around at people and myself trying to find this Peace. Making sure we don’t trip over obstacles in our paths like impatience or time constraints. The plans we put forth to enable those around us to enjoy the holidays are well intended but do they bring Peace to our hearts? Are we lost too? Lost in the shuffle of making ends meet, making sure we remember everyone on our lists, getting ourselves from point A to point B, getting to all the events scheduled for the holidays. Let us not lose sight of the Source of Peace our hearts and our world are so desperately hungry for.
The Sheridan Celebration Choir is getting ready to perform a Christmas cantata December 14th during the morning services that deals with this very thing. “I Hear a Prophet Callin’ ” speaks to all people who walk in darkness. It proclaims the good news and reminds us we don’t have to remain in darkness. God has a plan to lead us out of the darkness into a light, a light that will fill our souls and hearts with His amazing Peace. I encourage you to take this opportunity to invite loved ones and friends. And the call to light your world with the knowledge that Christ has come to each and every heart to give us Peace.
Heavenly Father, quiet my heart right here, right now. Help me to bring peace to those around me. Fill me with the desire to light our world with the fullness of Christ’s love for all of us. And let this light give entrance to hearts shrouded in darkness. In Jesus holy name, ~Amen~
This devotion is written by Fran Baatz.
If you would like to serve as a member of the Sheridan Lutheran Writing Team and help to write devotions based on the text for the weekend, contact Patty Forsberg.
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