A Voice Calling in the Wilderness

At the close of this year, a mournful darkness seems to inhabit our land. But listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah:

The people who walked in darkness
   have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
   light! sunbursts of light!
You repopulated the nation,
   you expanded its joy.
Oh, they’re so glad in your presence!
   Festival joy!
The joy of a great celebration,
   sharing rich gifts and warm greetings....

For a child has been born—for us!
   the gift of a son—for us!
He’ll take over
   the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
   Strong God,
Eternal Father,
   Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
   and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
He’ll rule from the historic David throne
   over that promised kingdom.
He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing
   and keep it going
With fair dealing and right living,
   beginning now and lasting always.
The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies
   will do all this.
Isaiah 9: 2-3, 6-7 (MSG)

Let the message of God's unyielding hope saturate your mind until the light of Christ is the center of your existence and the future can be seen through the lens of His love.