Immanuel

In Isaiah chapters 7 & 8, Isaiah describes the coming king as a small shoot of new growth emerging from the old stump of David's family, the holy seed. This king will be empowered by God's Spirit to rule over a new Jerusalem and bring forth justice for the poor. All nations will look to this messianic king for guidance, and his kingdom will transform all creation, bringing peace.

Notes:

• All We Know of Heaven, by Remy Rougeau
• Christmas by any other name is Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz!
• Conclusion: The world does not need more Christians blowing each other up on social media. The world doesn’t need more Christians trying to cozy up to political power. The world doesn’t need more Christians who would rather be right than reconciled. The world doesn’t need more Christians who are better known for what they are against than what they are for. Know what the world needs? The world needs Christians who proclaim and demonstrate a God who brings light to darkness, who brings joy to despair, who brings freedom to the oppressed, and who brings love over hatred.