Pastor’s Column 12/8/2024

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 will lead them all.”         Isaiah 11:6, NLT

“A New Life Envisioned!”

For those of us who still have some degree of empathy left, there’s nothing more touching than the beauty of a child in their innocence. The full person in miniature relates to the sights and sounds of a world that must seem so large and promising. When the poet Willliam Wordsworth wrote the poem, Songs of Innocence – Songs of Experience, he was describing the very distinct worlds of childhood and adulthood. Innocence may have its limitations; but it does not demand of life what adults do once we become aware of such issues as power, control, competition and prejudice. The simplicity that is given to us only once in this life, is marked with bright colors and seemingly endless days and spaces for play and laughter. God in His infinite wisdom sent the Messiah as a child, for good reason. There were some exceptions, but monarchs often ascended their thrones, having reached adulthood or late adolescence. However, King Tut of Egypt became the Pharaoh at age 9. Mary Queen of Scots became queen at just 6 days old. And Josiah became King of Judah at age 8. Of course, these were all arranged through legal succession. Isaiah looking into the future with prophetic vision, foresaw a day when God would send the Messiah to bring peace to a torn and troubled world. Isaiah’s statement, “A child shall lead them,” was believed to be fulfilled when Jesus came as an infant born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem.  The divine prediction also spoke of a Milennial Era when peacewould reign in the environment, ecology, and reconciliation between enemies. God sent His Son as a child, to confound the wise of this world, that all might witness the Lord’s work of salvation and justice on this planet and throughout the universe. Never should we underestimate the wisdom of God. The Apostle said, the unexplained (foolishness) of God is wiser than the wisdom and knowledge of humans.  The joy of Advent, is rejoicing in the gift of the Child who has been sent to lead us along the paths of truth and righteousness. Christ, the Savior is ours!