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Life and Light, Peace and Rest, Justice and Righteousness
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those
living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
"There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came
as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him
all men might believe. He himself was not the light; The true light
that gives light to every man was coming into the world" (Jn.1:6-9)
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice
before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when
dividing the plunder.
"Simeon took him in his arms and praised God saying: 'Sovereign
Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in
the sight of the people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel'" (Lk.2:28-32)
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 the
oppressor. "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I
will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for
I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Mt.11:28-30)
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,
"In the sixth month, God sent the
angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged
to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The
virgin's name was Mary. The angel went in to her and said, 'Greetings,
you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly
troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might
be. But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid Mary, you have
found favour with God. You will be with child and give birth to
a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great
and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give
him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house
of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end'" (Lk.1:26-33)
and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace. Of the increase 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 and
forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Is.9:2-7)
May you know the joy of the Lord this Christmas and may Life and
Light, Peace and Rest, Justice and Righteousness be yours.