Our Everlasting Father (Advent Devotion) - Thursday, December 13

“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…Everlasting Father.” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)

One of the great blessings of my life is that God gave me a great father.  My dad was a source of encouragement, wisdom, and blessings as I grew up.  He taught me to hunt and fish and shared with me a love of music.  Most importantly, my dad shared Jesus with me and modeled for me what it means to be a Christian husband, father, grandfather, and leader.

I recognize many in our world did not receive this gift, and this is particularly true among our Native brothers and sisters.  They had earthly fathers who were cruel, absent, abusive, unloving, and self-centered.  In Isaiah’s day, the king was often viewed as a father to the kingdom, having the responsibility to lead, protect, and provide for his people.

While I had a good earthly father, he was not everlasting.  He was a sinner and the wages of sin are death.  He went to be with Christ several years ago.

In the season of Advent, we remember the gift of a child, born in a manger in a tiny village in Bethlehem.  That little child grew to show us that God is the Everlasting Father.  He perfectly modeled God’s love, care, wisdom, and blessing.  He directed our love and our worship to a heavenly Father who gave His only begotten Son so that we could be His children!  When it seemed that Jesus was not everlasting or eternal, He rose from the grave and gave us the gift of life and forgiveness.

His promise is that all who trust in Him will share eternity with Him.  What a gift!  What a Father!

Lord, our God, we praise you for sending Jesus into our world.  Thank you for showing us love, care and making us your children.  Thank you for being our everlasting Father.  Help us to share your gifts of encouragement, wisdom, and blessing with others.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Mark Schumm, Oneida, Wisconsin

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Children of all Ages (Advent Devotion) - Friday, December 14

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Encouraging Faith & Respecting Culture