"I came, I saw, I got it all." That is, no doubt, what a lot of shoppers are saying about now. Others will soon be saying, "I came, I saw, I ate it all!"
In spite of the mass commercialization and distortion of the real meaning of Christmas (I spare you the tirade; you already know the spiel.), this is still a wonderful time of year. Gifts are great and so is food. (This year, we are opting for salad and hummus in place of a traditional Christmas dinner.) But the greatest gift is Jesus, not just as a newborn baby, but as our risen Savior.
Isaiah 9:6 is often quoted this time of year. It is a prophecy of the Messiah.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Years ago, I came across the meaning of the phrase "the government shall be upon his shoulder." During ancient Jewish weddings, at some point during the ceremony, the groom would lay the bride's veil on his shoulder. This was highly symbolic. This man was now assuming responsibility for the woman he was marrying. As the authority in her life, he pledged to be her protector and provider. The literal action of placing her veil upon his shoulder indicated the duty he would fulfill to his bride.
The picture of Christ and His church is beautifully portrayed here. He has assumed the responsibility to be our head. As such, He will provide for us and protect us. The government truly is upon his shoulder.
This Christmas, I trust that all your memories will be happy ones. May you be reassured by God's love and care for you. He is the greatest Gift of all!!
