“For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 CSB
As we begin this Advent season, perhaps more than ever, we feel the ache of wanting God to make all things right. Let’s let the words of this familiar passage sink deep in our hearts.
Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor. When we are in despair from a present overwhelming pain or cumulative grief, we remember that God is Healer and Counselor. He is both the One who helps us and the very balm we need for our broken hearts, fragile minds, and bruised bodies.
Jesus is our Mighty God. When we are taken advantage of, when we feel powerless, when we cannot control or predict what will happen next, God is our strength and our defender. No one can stand against His powerful name.
Jesus is our Eternal Father. When we feel unloved — particularly during this holiday season — we remember that God is our loving Father. The perfect parent, provider, and protector. He has known us from before He created the world. He knows our every hair, thought, and breath. He knows where we are headed and He cares about every part of our lives.
Jesus is our Prince of Peace. When fear and anxiety rule our hearts, He is still the giver of peace. Jesus Himself is Peace and dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. Find rest in Him.
Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.
He will. And He has! And the same words Jesus spoke to His disciples on their last night together, He speaks to our hearts today.
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.”
John 14:27 CSB
Indeed, the Savior is coming and has come. The Prince of Peace. The Only One we need.
Today marks the first Sunday in the season of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. Join us here at (in)courage each weekend in December and let’s count down to Christmas together. For daily Advent devotions, visit DaySpring.com — they are featuring (in)courage devotions each day this month! Sign up here to receive one each day via email in December.
Make the season bright by reflecting on the gifts and promises from God. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, make time to quiet your heart and hear from His.
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May His peace permeate each heart and may that peace be held all year long.
Dear (in)courage Women…………….I certainly love the devotion today, the 1st Sunday in Advent and I am getting ready to go, but I do have a very heartbreaking, mind bending, and some physical problems that I must deal with every day. I pray and pray and pray and while my Holy Spirit is with me always and I know that Jesus is with me too, I can’t seem to find the peace I so much would like to have. At 77 years old, I never thought about how it would be when I was older.My husband has dementia, the violent kind and tried to kill me in a drunken dementia rage as the Neurologists called it. To top things off which I just can’t forgive my 1 son is he called me and told me I was a liar and there is nothing wrong with his father, but old age. That was not true. I have the written reports from 2 doctors who both diagnosed Jim with the same dementia, but here is what it doesn’t seem to happen no matter how many times for peace. 2 years ago my son called me and kept yelling at me about being a liar and he was dismissing me as his Mother and my 1 grandson who was 12 at the time, I could never see or speak to him again and with that, he hung up. So 2 years have come and gone and no communication. My son has no faith although we brought him up in the church that he hated. How can I possibly forgive him when there are other serious problems to face? There is so much more, but I have to leave for church now. Thank you and have a Blessed Advent Sunday………………..Betsy Basile
Betsy,
Abba Father It’s almost Christmas. More than anything Betsy needs the peace that surpasses all understanding. Change the heart of her son & allow the grandson to see her. Please help everyone to understand the disease the father has. Bring an end to this family’s fighting & put some love back into their lives. In Jesus Name AMEN!
(XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX)
Hugs
Blessings 🙂
AMEN and peace through Jesus!
Sending Advent JOY,
Lisa Wilt
In Courage,
Right now this world needs the peace of Jesus. We need more love, kindness & less hatred. Praying hard that more & more people will come to the realization that Jesus is all they need. He will see you through each & every trial. He left the splendor of Heaven & came to broken Earth to die a horrible death–our death. He did so because He loves us that much!!
Blessings 🙂