The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional - Saturday, First Week of Advent

This short essay is taken from the devotional, The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional. This devotional reflects on the scriptures of incarnation and exaltation in order to take you on a journey of thoughtful self-reflection. It is meant to draw you more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s coming into the world to help you walk your own inner path toward the season of Christmas. As you celebrate the coming of Christ into your lives during Advent and spend time reflecting on the readings in this devotional, may the light and love that entered our world lead you to the cross in wonder and thanksgiving. May you find joy and discover strength as you walk this wondrous journey to Bethlehem, always holding within your heart the image of the Hill of Calvary and the hope of the Age to come when Christ will return to call his people home!

Saturday, First Week of Advent – Unto Us a Son is Given

 Incarnation – For to us a child is born, to 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.” Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Exaltation – Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:21-23)

As we come to the close of the first week of Advent, let us rejoice in the light that burst forth into the darkness of this broken world. Let us meditate on the baby who is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Jesus, in coming to the earth, brings us these great gifts and sends us forth as the Church, the Body of Christ:

He is Wonderful Counselor. Jesus brings us his wisdom. He is the Word made flesh, the power that created the universe, speaking truth, love, and healing into our lives.

He is Mighty God. No matter what we are going through, we know we belong to the One who knows us and causes all things to work for our good and his glory.

He is Everlasting Father. Jesus reveals the eternal mystery of salvation as he teaches us, trains us in the faith, disciplines us, and helps us to grow. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

He is Prince of Peace. Jesus is the One who will destroy all selfishness, conflict, and evil. Though the world is in chaos, he is our ultimate peace and our perfect rest.

Jesus, God's Son, has come into the world. As we celebrate his birth, let us not forget that while he came in humility, poverty, and meekness, he never ceased to be the Lord of the universe, the perfect lover of our souls, and the God who will bring about a the Great Day of peace and joy!

Prayer: Great God of heaven, may I meditate on these titles for the Son who was given for our salvation. May I rest in that perfect peace and carry that same peace to a broken and weary world…Amen!

Mighty God, Forever Father,

Wonder Counselor, Prince of Peace.

Sent to earth for our Salvation,

Sin and Suffering shall cease.