Midweek Scripture Passage (Isaiah 9:6)

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Once again I was struck by a thought of how different the world is from how God intended this world to be. The world has been determined to usurp from the Son authority to be Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The world is in this mess precisely because strong and powerful people hijacked the authority ruling over people rather than serving those who were weak and powerless.

They took the name Wonderful Counsellor for themselves. Yet, there are no wise ones who can help all peoples to be prosperous, satisfied and able to fulfil their purposes in life without worries and concerns.

They took the name Mighty God for themselves. They tell us the riches they gained were through their abilities and skills. They control the lives of the people around the world as they disciple mighty powers demanding others to follow rules they set. Instead of caring, they threaten and destroy those who have less power.

They took the name Everlasting Father. They are busily building bunkers to save themselves, accumulating wealth beyond measure and pursuing ways to live forever. For them, since money is no object, they are trying everything to live forever disregarding the conditions of billions of people who cannot have decent meals from day to day.

They took the name of Prince of Peace. Their peace however is gained often by destroying the world of those who intruded into their peace. The way of our world is such that wars follow wherever they go.

Contrast this with this Son our Lord who is Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace because he has emptied himself of his own divinity, coming to serve instead to rule, living the life alongside the poor and the powerless as one of them rather than ruling from the comfort of a grandiose palace, and establishing peace among people by turning the other cheek and loving the enemies. 

As a leader he sets an example that is totally opposite of what our world is used to. He is gentle, meek, compassionate, serving and loving. His counsel is wise without threatening. His power is directed to give life through love without ceasing, his invitation to us is to share everlasting life with him and in his peace every living thing flourishes to glorify God.

Under his reign there are no wars, hunger, poverty, jealousy, power-mongering, inequity, injustice and intolerance. This is the world he offers. Yet, in his name, we have brought in all matters of sin subjugating our world through the power of death.

This is why each Christmas is a time of joy and hope as we receive his reign once again and start new life under him. This is why our Christmas songs are full of proclamations of good news declaring peace on earth, demonstrating that there is a world under God’s Son where we may live everlasting life in peace. It is why we celebrate so loudly. 

In a way through the singing of Christmas hymns and carols we witness this new life in God and how it begins in Jesus Christ our Lord. 

We are rethinking how we want to communicate with you weekly.

In the meantime, we will continue to update you on events and activities taking place at Drummond Hill.

Please remember that

Friday, December 22 at 2 pm - Fellowship and Devotion

Sunday, December 24 at 10:30 am – Christmas Eve Service 

Sunday, December 24 at 8 pm – Christmas Eve Evening Service

Sunday, December 25 at 11 am – Christmas Service with lunch

Sunday, December 31 at 10:30 am – New Year’s Service