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What a Magnificent Sight to Behold… Merry Christmas 2023

Last updated on: December 24, 2023 at 9:21 am   by Teresa Nichols

What a Magnificent Sight to Behold… Merry Christmas 2023 2023-12-24T09:21:28-05:00 Teresa Nichols

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Looks like a cross above our house with Christmas Lights because of the moon's reflection

Imagine my astonishment when I paused to look at the beautiful night sky, took a picture, and saw this magnificent cross in the photo. Merry Christmas to me! Had to share! ~ Photo Courtesy of the Author!

This photo took my breath away because I adore seeing miraculous things like this, in the most unexpected moments. It’s just like God to stop my busyness long enough for me to look up at the moon and clouds, and grab my phone for a picture. It was beautiful enough, even before I saw the cross shining through it! That cross speaks to my heart, and carries so much meaning! But before all of that, a baby was born to fulfill prophecy. The Prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of a child, and wrote many glorious details surrounding His birth, long before His arrival. A verse often used at this time of year gives us names for this child and many people have heard it around the world:

“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)

This particular verse tells us a child would be born, a Son of God (the only one btw) and gives us many of the names that He would be called.

The Names of this Child ~ Let’s Think About Them Together:

1.   Wonderful Counselor:

Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, here to help us and guide us in every aspect of our lives. Of course, I can’t speak for anyone else, but I can attest to the fact that He is the fulfillment of this title for me. If you look at definitions of a counselor, they refer to someone who gives advice or guidance or encouragement. That’s Jesus! He’s always there for me, and I turn to Him in good times, and in bad, for direction and wisdom. I love this name!

2.    Mighty God:

Jesus is Mighty, and He is God! There is power in His name! And whatsmore? He gives us permission to pray to the Father in His name! It’s like we have His “Power of Attorney” to go directly to the throne room of Heaven, and speak to God the Father by asking it “In Jesus Name, Amen.”  That is the remarkable power that Jesus bestows upon us! Such a great name!

3.   Everlasting Father:

Jesus is everlasting and His connection to the Father paves the way for us to be saved from our sins. Jesus has father-like character traits and He protects and provides for us in this way. He is compassionate, as a father should be, and mindful of all our needs. Jesus intercedes for us, and loves us! Love all that this name represents!

4.   Prince of Peace:

Jesus is our Prince of Peace, and we need more peace in our lives, and in the world. He makes peace possible by offering reconciliation with God the Father; and with others in our lives. Jesus restores and redeems us if we are willing to let Him. This name speaks hope.

We Need More Peace ~

Not to seem repetitive, but I can’t think of anything this world needs more of right now, than PEACE! There is soo much division, chaos and unrest everywhere we look, and it is so sad! It’s difficult to even turn on your tv or radio without seeing and hearing things that break your heart! It is in times like these that we need Jesus to be the Prince of Peace!

The Bible says the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy and it’s being played out all around us everyday. It’s easy to let that steal our peace, and keep us unsettled, and that’s exactly how the enemy wants us to feel.

Let’s Focus on the Names of Jesus This Christmas ~

The names given to Jesus, and prophesied by Isaisah were intentional and contain purpose! Each of His names:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace, offer hope to us in some way. As we think about these names, let’s also remember that Jesus Himself  knew that we would need that hope in the future and He left us promises all through God’s Word to rely upon. Christmas would be a great time to read some of the “letters in red” that Jesus spoke! (For reference: Red letter edition bibles are those in which the words considered as being spoken by Jesus Christ are printed in red ink.)

Jesus Gave Us this Promise:

“ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)

This Christmas Season, let’s cling to this promise, and share it with the world as often as we can! As believers in Jesus Christ, that’s what we are called to do each and every day! Together we can spread peace to a world that needs it!

Praying for hearts that are missing loved ones this Christmas and for those who need healing in their bodies! In Jesus Name, Amen!

I’m wishing you all a very Merry Christmas season and praying that Jesus fills your hearts and home with peace and love! 

Tis the Season to Sparkle and enjoy the beauty of Christmas! — Photo Courtesy of Author.

 

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About Teresa D Nichols

I adore seeing miraculous things like this, in the most unexpected moments. It's just like God to stop my busyness long enough for me to look up at the moon and clouds, and grab my phone for a picture. It was beautiful enough, even before I saw the cross shining through it! That cross speaks to my heart, and carries so much meaning! But before all of that, a baby was born to fulfill prophecy. The Prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of a child, and wrote many glorious details surrounding His birth, long before His arrival. You can read more about the author here.

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