Dec. 2

 Isaiah 9: 2-7

 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. 

One of my friends recently had a baby and I went round for the "new baby" cuddle.  He was so tiny and gorgeous and snuggled into my shoulder the way babies do.  I love that.  But looking at that tiny baby and then later at my (HUGE) 7 year old, I was struck by the fact that they have so much to live through, so many responsibilities to face, so much stuff to get through and they have no comprehension at all of the task of living that lies ahead of them.  I don't mean that to be negative, it is just awesome. My baby is going to be a grown up , a husband, a father, an employee, a tax payer. I find it difficult to grasp.

How much more was on the shoulders of the tiny Christ Child, lying as a new born in an animal trough and blinking out at the people coming to worship him.  He had a mighty task ahead of him.  He had REAL stuff in his future.  How helpless Mary must have felt through it all.
And yet God showed us His greatness, His power and His amazing love through that tiny baby. He knew what Jesus would go through and the huge impact that he would have.
How awesome! What an exciting way to anticipate Christmas, knowing that we are celebrating the "Zeal of the Lord Almighty".