by Dr. Don Kuehle, United Methodist, Retired
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People throughout the ages have looked to the stars for guidance, for inspiration, and for hope. God created the myriad of stars that dot the heavens. God has also given us a Star, born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, and crucified in Jerusalem. His coming was foretold by the prophets. He was expected by the multitudes. Yet, when He came, few recognized Him.
The prophet, Isaiah, spoke of His coming: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
JESUS CHRIST is WONDERFUL! The people of God were expecting God to send them a Messiah, a Savior, a Ruler. What a surprise, what a wonder. When the Messiah arrived as a Babe in Bethlehem! God still surprises us today as He comes to us at times and in ways that we least expect. The shepherds were surprised, filled with wonder, when the heavenly choir announced to them the birth of God’s Son. The Magi saw a star in the heavens, and it guided them to God’s Star cradled in a manger. Both the Wise Men and the shepherds, when they found Jesus, fell to their knees in wonder and awe; they worshiped Him and offered him their best. This is still the proper response for us here and now!
JESUS CHRIST is OUR COUNSELOR! A counselor’s task is to advise, to guide, to counsel. A good counselor helps those who come to them to make good and right decisions concerning their life. God is the ultimate counselor. God alone knows all things. God alone understands how everything fits together. God alone knows how life is meant to be lived. God, the Invisible Counselor, became visible in Christ Jesus. In the midst of chaos and stress, Jesus made all the right decisions. Jesus lived his life like God intended; if one follows Jesus’ example, one will live the “good” life. Wise ones will follow Jesus’ wise counsel!
JESUS CHRIST is THE MIGHTY GOD! God is all powerful! With a word, God created all things. With a word, God created people like us. As the Voice/Word of God, Jesus Christ brings order out of our chaos. He turns our darkness into glorious light. Jesus forgives our sins; he restores us to God’s original design. He is able to the dead to life again. Christ Jesus opens the gates of Heaven, and beckons us to join him. Jesus is the Might One; all power is His!
JESUS CHRIST is the EVERLASTING ONE! Life, for us, is temporary. We are born, we live a short while, and we die. The end! Jesus Christ, too, was born, lived for 33 years, and died. Not the end! He rose from the grave, alive forever! Christ Jesus offers us the same opportunity!
JESUS CHRIST is the PRINCE OF PEACE! We are all searching for peace; few of us find it. The Good News of Christmas is that Peace has arrived in our war-torn, strife-filled world. When we live in harmony with His will we have inner peace, even in the midst of turmoil and strife. And there will come a Day when every nation will accept the authority and rule of the Prince of Peace; war will be no more! The Day-of-peace will come!
This is God’s promise to us! Rejoice and be glad. Celebrate peace.