Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)
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Verse 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness- on them light has shined. Verse 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. Verse 4For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. Verse 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. Verse 6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Verse 7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Devotion
The promise of Christmas Eve: endless peace for the throne of David—not once upon a time, but endless peace now for all God's Davids and Davidas, all God's children everywhere. Humans can talk about peace, pray for peace, even (alas) fight for peace. God comes to bring peace. God comes as a child, the Prince of Peace—the Wonderful Counselor who alone can reconcile everything. God is the one who can make peace happen. But where is God's endless peace? When is it? Now, says God. It is a gift. Take it and rejoice. Take it and live. Take it and use it well.
Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. Lord, make me a child of Christmas, a child of Christ. Amen.