First Day of Christmas: A Child Has Been Born
For a people who were struggling against an oppressive regime, one whose power and authority seemed far reaching, generational and never ending, their hope for just and merciful leadership became real with the birth of a baby.
Hope became real with the birth of a baby.
Not a military coup.
Not a plague visited upon their oppressors.
Not a violent war.
Not power and might and horses and tanks and drones — but labor pains, child birth, swaddling blankets and anxious parents.
A child has been born.
Hallelujah.
Isaiah 9: 6-7 (The Message Translation)
For a child has been born––for us!
the gift of a son––for us!
He’ll take over
the running of the world.
His names will be:
Amazing Counselor,
Strong God,
Eternal Father,
Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
He’ll rule from the historic David throne
over that promised kingdom.
He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing
and keep it going
With fair dealing and right living,
beginning now and lasting always.
The zeal of God –of–the–Angel–Armies
will do all this.
A Voice In Ramah 