“What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted.”
Over the last month I doubled up on some of my reading plan to read through the Bible. I did this so I could spend December reading and rereading aspects of the Christmas story to help prepare my heart and mind to stay focused during this season. This verse brought two characters immediately to mind. The King, Herod, greatly feared the news of a new born king that these strange wise men carried to town. His fear led to a violent reaction that even secular historians recount about the slaughter of every male Jewish infant two years old and under in his attempt to protect his throne. It didn’t work. No one, no matter how evil and powerful they believe they are, can thwart the plans of God. The other story I thought of was about Simeon who Luke described as righteous and devout. He was promised by God that he would not die before seeing the coming messiah who would bring comfort to Israel. The Holy Spirit led him to the temple the day that Mary and Joseph took Jesus there. When he saw Him he rejoiced. In this season we find people whose life plans are either greatly threatened by the intervention of the new born savior, find great joy and comfort in His presence or, like most of the world at the first Christmas, are ignorant and ambivalent towards it. Ultimately everyone will either find disruption or peace by His coming. Maybe both. Today celebrate the comfort and power brought at the birth of our Savior. #BeTheEdge
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
