There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:7
Each year as the Christmas season is upon us, I find myself sitting with the verses written to us in Isaiah 9. I sit in awe of what was coming, I sit in awe of the reality that this prophecy was fulfilled. "For unto us a child is born..". The child that would change life's trajectory for all of us who choose to be made right with God. Each name of God written in Isaiah 9 has something sweetly different to offer our hearts. They show the complexity of who is to come and all that Jesus will be to us forever.
I love thinking of Jesus as my Wonderful Counselor the one over all things - the one I can put my hope in forever. When I look back at my relationship with Jesus over the last 11 years, I see so many moments where He's counseled and governed my heart personally through His Holy Spirit. Guiding, directing, protecting, and loving me where I have been but loving me too much to leave me the same. He does this same thing for you, too. He has been loving you long before you knew and leading you in moments where you never noticed His hands.
Another reason this season is all the more special to me is it takes me back to the first Christmas after I'd moved away from home. This Christmas in-particular was just two months shy of when I made it public to the world that I'd dedicated my life to Christ through the outward expression of baptism. It was the last Christmas I'd ever spend not fully living out and living in the goodness, faithfulness, and sovereignty of God. This outward expression would soon change my life in ways I'd never imagined. It still brings tears to my eyes remembering that particular Christmas, my heart felt the weight of something missing, yet I was so eager and expectant for what God was doing in my heart.
Given all that has transpired in my life and the ways I have seen Jesus as my counselor and guide, I find that one of the deepest desires of my heart is wanting to know that each person in my life, even the hard ones, will never spend another Christmas apart from their Wonderful Counselor, their shepherd, their never-ending safe place, and ever-present help. I want them to wake up this year knowing God has so much planned for their life and that He wants a relationship with them. I can't help but wonder if this is why this season feels a little different than all the other seasons of the year. While some people call it magical, I call it the season of invitation. It is the one time of year that we can invite people in a little more easily to share the good news and great joy of Christ.
The extra time we get to spend with people isn't by mistake, it is with intention, I see the Lord in it. He's giving me extra opportunities to let people know I'm praying for them, He's giving me extra opportunities to serve those close to me, and lastly, He's preparing hearts to hear the testimony He's given me. He is giving you the very same opportunities. Use them well, steward your story, and remember who reigns forever more!
My challenge for you and I is this, how will you make Jesus known to those around you today? How will you let people know they have a God who loves them, sees them, and desires a deep relationship with them? How will you engage them in this season with his light? I'm expectant to see all God is going to do in this special season of Advent. I don't want another heart to miss the greatest gift one could ever receive. Nothing can quite wrap up the magnitude and glory of the gift of Jesus, but the best way for it to be shared starts with you and me inviting others in.
Pray with me:
Father, I am so thankful for the reason we celebrate this season. You sent your son to pierce the darkness forever and to offer me eternal life with you. This year, help me be open to who you want me to share my testimony with. Help me to slow down, savor, and by still with you this season. In Jesus's name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Tomertu
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Wednesday, 03 January 2024.
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