Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/1056515
18 22 Perpetual Christmas Debra Anderson, MA Mentoring Director "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, MIGHT Y GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE." - ISAIAH 9:6 T he prophecy of Isaiah tells us about a child, a son, a baby who will bring wonder, might, and peace. What an interesting turn for Isaiah to then call that child, "Father." To call a king "father" in Isaiah's day—likely eighth century B.C.— was not unheard of, but it was rare. If a king called himself a father, it was a levied title rather than a loved one, a self-painted boasting he imposed over his people. Isaiah turns this title around. e Everlasting Father is a gift to all, perpetually offering wise help, might, and wholeness. Everlasting Father is a beautiful name to meditate on in this season of temporary pleasures. e Advent season lasts for just a few short weeks, and much of our celebration relies on vanishing amusements: wrapping paper delights for just one use, Christmas dinner is devoured in 20 minutes, and toy batteries die after a rush of excited use. We then carry off the mementos, clean up the mess, and leave another Christmas behind us. What might it take to shift our focus from temporary trappings to eternity? God helps us with this, for Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Our Everlasting Father has put something into our hearts which yearns for Him and keeps us closely knit to our Creator, longing to understand what He has done and is doing. e Everlasting Father is the One we reach toward over and over seeking counsel, power, and peace. He has made us for this ongoing relationship, and He doesn't leave it behind. As God's children, we share in eternity. We have the capacity to reflect beyond our days. Are we too hounded with hurry to do so? e celebration of Christmas will begin and end, but God is with us perpetually. Christmas doesn't just end our waiting; it begins our living—life with God for those who believe. How will the Everlasting Father dwell with you long after the celebration has ended? 13 December