December 16, 2008

by Sheila Walsh on 12/16/2008 01:12

For unto us a Child is born, unto 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.
Isaiah 9

Dear friends,

I can hardly believe we are so close to Christmas Day! 2008 seems to have moved along at record speed and yet as I look back at everything that I've had the joy of seeing God do, I can hardly believe it was just one year. Through our Infinite Grace events at Women of Faith, we saw almost 35,000 women make commitments to follow Jesus Christ. When I take a moment to think about that I am overwhelmed. That's 35,000 new sisters that we have. They are mothers and sisters and daughters and friends, and each one of them affects so many others around them every day-the ripples go on and on. Each one of those new sisters will greet this Christmas morning as no other because of Christ, the Gift.

When God spoke to us through the prophet Isaiah, He told us several things about the character of the coming Messiah.

Wonderful Counselor-We live in confusing times as a nation, in the world. We wonder what to do about our finances and families. How often do you find yourself worrying? I have been helped so much through the years by Godly counselors, but I am reminded by these words that Jesus is the Ultimate Counselor. Whatever is on your heart and mind, you can pour yourself out at His feet. In John 6:63 Jesus says, “The words that I speak to you are Spirit and they are life.”

The wonderful counselor is here. You are not alone.

Mighty God-This, as you are well aware, has been an election year. Emotions can run pretty high when the candidates represent such different platforms. If the candidate we supported was elected, then we tend to think all will be well, if not, we think all is lost. In God's sovereignty, neither is true. Our hope will never reside in the Oval Office-it comes from the Throne of Grace-from our Mighty God who ruled yesterday, who rules today and who will rule tomorrow.

Everlasting Father-Psalm 68 describes God as a “Father to the fatherless.” For some, the father image is difficult, depending on what your relationship with your earthly father was like. Jesus came to show us what our everlasting Father is like. When Jesus reached out to the broken, the lost, and the sick at heart or body, He was saying "This is what your Everlasting Father is like. this is how much He loves you." You have a Father like none on earth. You have never lived an unloved moment in your life.

Prince of Peace-Have you ever thought about the truth that God is completely at peace with Himself? In the book The Doctrine of God, John Frame writes, “His three persons glorify and serve one another-He is whole, well, blessed and happy.”

We hear a lot of talk about peace, but we know that there is no lasting peace apart from the Prince of Peace. You may find yourself in the middle of difficult circumstances right now, but I want to remind you that even with everything that is true at the moment, you can know peace- His peace.

What amazing promises and gifts are laid at our hearts each and every day. It is up to us whether we reach out and receive them or not. I pray that in the midst of this busy, crazy season, you will be able to carve out some time to receive The Gift.

For unto us a Child is born, unto 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.
Isaiah 9

I send this note with love from my family to yours and pray that God's grace and mercy will lift your hearts and spirits to sing with the angels,

Christ is born!

Love,
Sheila

What can I give him poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb
If I were a wise man I would do my part
Yet, what I can, I give him,
Give my heart

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