THE STORY ISN’T OVER

People are now ready to put aside the frantic pace of the holidays.  The trappings of Christmas are put away for another year.  The world now turns its attention to other matters.  And the story of baby Jesus is also put away for another year.

But the story goes on.  Jesus is no longer that baby in the manger.  Let’s turn our focus away from the manger scene of Christmas, as lovely as it is, and look to Jesus, and Him only! 

As we look ahead to this New Year upon us, and not knowing what the future may hold for us individually, nationally or for our world, let’s us look at the Wonderful Name of Jesus.  He is the only Way, the Truth and the Life (John  14:6).  He is the only answer to these troubled times we live in.

Are you filled with fear for what may happen in this year 2011?  Read the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 46:1-3: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.”

Yes, there could be earthquakes, hurricanes and the like, but He is our strength and our refuge when these things come upon us.

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet told of the coming Messiah: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

We hear this verse quoted at Christmas and hear it in song.  But to we stop to think about the meaning of these wonderful words.  Yes, a child was born to Mary in fulfillment of the prophecy.  That child was our Lord Jesus, The Messiah.

But also “Unto us a Son was given.”  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”  (John 3:16)  God sent His only Son so we would not perish, but have eternal life.  So no matter what happens in our world this coming year, the Lord Jesus Christ has come to bring us salvation, peace in troubled times, and eternal life with Him forever.

And as we look at that verse in Isaiah and think of His Names, our minds are not able to comprehend how Wonderful He is.  Think with me for a moment of all that is contained in the word “Wonderful” as pertaining to our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is our Great Shepherd, He is the Rock of all Ages.  He is Almighty God.   Is He Wonderful to you today?   Is He your shepherd who leads you and comforts you?  Is He the rock you can hide in when troubled times take your peace?  Also in that verse He is our Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.  His very Name is Peace.

 Jesus promised us in John 16:33: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  Yes, Jesus overcame the world, went to the cross, died for your sins and mine, and Praise the Lord, He arose from the grave on the third day and how is seated at the right hand of the Father, for you, for me, ever interceding for us and watching over us.

So the Christmas story is not over, it goes on and on, throughout eternity.  God sending His Precious Son as a baby, but grew up, walking among us, feeling our pain, touching the hurting, and He continues to bring us His peace and comfort, by the power of the Holy Spirit.  His Name is truly Wonderful!  That Wonderful Name of Jesus!  And someday we will see Him face to face and forever worship Him and Praise Him for His eternal love toward us.

So when situations arise this year, in your life or in our nation and world, just remember where your strength lies, in the Mighty Name of Jesus!

Blessings,

Pastor Sharon Besler