Midweek 11/30

Introduction

As a child, I had a disease around Christmas time. It was called Christmas Eve Insomnia.

Between eating four pounds of candy that I ate at the Christmas Eve party and the expectancy of opening all of the presents already and yet to be under the tree, I would NOT be able to go to sleep.

As a child, I used to get SO excited about Christmas presents that I literally could not sleep.

I could go to bed, but I would wake up VERY early in the morning and jump in my parents beds.

My parents had to figure out something because I was wearing them out. I was allowed to open ONE present under the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve.

I would carefully select the present, and after I opened it, some of the pressure was relieved. I was able to go to sleep.

It became a family tradition.

In the same way, the Israelites had the prophets of the Old Testament. While life was difficult, they often brought messages of hope and grace.

Explanation

Isaiah 7:14-15 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.”

God is giving a sign of his generosity.

He is allowing the Israelites to unwrap a little bit of the package.

Isaiah 9:6 “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.”

Wonderful Counselor // One who teaches in all perfection. What He teaches is good.

Mighty God // He is all powerful and all knowing.

Everlasting Father // We relate to God as a heavenly Father.

Prince of Peace // Jesus would bring true and lasting peace.

Just as they were comforted with that they had, Jesus comforts us with His coming again.