“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined...For 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 God, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9: 2,6

Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ!

The prophet Isaiah writes in this text at a time things were about as dark as dark could be for the people of Judah - politically, religiously and socially - in every way. It was tempting for God's people to hook up with a neighboring kingdom to assure safety even if the neighboring kingdom was not favored by God. But Judah did not. Their hope was in God - their great light was in the one whom God was to send.

We know that the Prince of Peace is Jesus the Christ. There are so many of us who live in darkness as well - enemies at every turn. We know sickness and disease, depression and isolation, heartache and financial hardship. With the ELCA divisions, it is tempting to hook up with the alliance of holding on to "our money" and not be good stewards world-wide beyond the boundaries of our pockets or Mocksville/Statesville and be good stewards of outdoor ministries, the aged, missionaries or World Hunger. God sends Jesus the Christ to shine the light in our lives to spread that light to others. With this light, our own lives spread Christ's joy for others. Christ proclaims God's peace and joy through our lives and nothing is ever the same again.

Terry and I wish you Christ's peace and joy this Advent and Christmas season and the most blessed of New Years!

Peace and Grace,