Pastor's Column 12/13/20

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child shall lead them all.” Isaiah 11:6 NLT

2nd Sunday- (3rd in Advent, A New Reign!)

The world we live in is filled with disruption, pandemic, tribal divisiveness, and harmful leadership. This is the same world Isaiah faced, when he prophesied the coming of the Messiah. Advent is about the birth of the Messiah, but it also is a description of the reign of the Messiah in a new world. The reign of the Messiah is a world in stark contrast to what we face presently. Isaiah boldly proclaims that “Unto us a child is born.” While it is true in ancient times, a king was enthroned at a young age, it was not the norm. In America, the U.S. Constitution states that the age qualification for a person pursuing the office of the presidency is 35 years of age. Anyone under the age of 35 cannot become president. But Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah who would come, some 700 years later, would be a child. Concerning the world and nations, Isaiah said, “a little child shall lead them.” It is the Christ-child, the Messiah, whom we give attention and adoration during the period of Advent. He is the same child who would stand in the temple precents at twelve years old and confound the elders and the skeptics. It is the child who drew the Shepherds to the stable in which He was born, and caused them to leave, leaping and praising God. The child was beneath the star that aroused the attention of the Magi from Persia, who arrived at His home sometime later, and worshiped Him as Messiah. Unlike the world leaders who were before and would be after Him, Jesus would not be endorsed, elected, or enthroned by the human will or a vote. Advent reminds us that the world will become better, and we will be better off, because the Messiah brings order to our egregious chaos. Advent brings us hope in the reign and rule of our Christ!