December 9th

There is only one Santa Claus and we all know it!

As a child, I saw television movies in which people would dress up like Santa and try to talk like Santa. I even went to some parties and saw my friends’ dads do their best to look and act like Santa. But I knew it was just for fun. None of them was the real Santa. 

The real Santa Claus came to the mall right after Thanksgiving. He would listen as I told him all the things I wanted for Christmas. He even posed for pictures. He was the real deal.

Imitation Santas are fine. They do their best. But nothing beats seeing the real Santa.

For thousands of years after Adam and Eve chose their way over God’s way, God reached out to His creation. He performed miracles. He gave instructions to a few leaders. He gave warnings to a few prophets. He heard prayers. But all of this was done from a distance. 

When Isaiah began to preach, some of his words were promises of things God was going to do. Isaiah’s prophecies brought clarity as to what the world could expect from the coming One. In the ninth chapter of the Book of Isaiah, we are also reminded of why God was sending someone. 

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress…
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…
6 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 Counselor, Mighty God,
  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 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.
Isaiah 9:1-7

This Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace was coming because the people were “walking in darkness.” 

Each year at Christmas time, billions of dollars are spent on lights. There is a way the lights make us feel that just seems right. There is a happiness that comes with everything being bright. It is difficult to imagine Christmas without lights.

Imagine for a moment what it must have been like for God to look down at a creation He deeply loved only to see lost and confused people walking around in darkness. The coming One would be born of a virgin would be a burst of joy. A burst of hope. A burst of light.

Right now, take a moment to thank God for being lighting the way home for us. For being our Light. For rescuing us from deep darkness.