Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Handel’s Messiah is performed by choirs throughout the year but when performed during the holidays, surrounded by the beauty of decorated trees and lighted candles it becomes even more majestic. Handel used Isaiah 9:6 as the text of his composition which describes Jesus in terms that a hurting, lost humanity longs to hear. Through Jesus, God will dwell among his creation as a Wonderful Counselor, a Mighty God, an Everlasting Father and our Prince of Peace.
As you read the article below by IFC leader Andre Ashford, notice how the needs of the people Isaiah prophesied to find their echo in the Robert Smalls neighborhood, the focus of the Ashford’s ministry.
Andre writes,“ It’s become clearer to me that the church was never meant to be just a gathering place, but a Kingdom presence–a people who meet the community, engage the broken, enrich the overlooked, equip the willing, and empower the discouraged through the love of Jesus.”
During the holidays as we reflect on the birth of Emmanuel, God with us, may we be a Kingdom presence in the lives of those around us.