Daily Devotions

“Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” so goes the descriptor of the Messiah found Isaiah 9:6.

I wonder how the first visitors to the Manger described what they had seen as they looked upon the humble couple and the new born babe. The only description of the shepherd's reaction is found in Luke 2:20 “The shepherds went back to work, glorifying and praising God for everything that they had heard and seen, which had happened just as they had been told.”

Of all the four names Isaiah uses to describe Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, I wonder, which one means the most to you? Why? I wonder what the shepherds actually thought.

Take some time to read this poem and discover the wonder of Immanuel, God with us in Jesus.

 

Shepherds on a hillside not highly respected

But these were the ones specifically selected

To be the King’s special guests

Because God almighty considered them blessed

The kind of guests nobody expected

To be the ones the saviour elected

 

The ones the rest of the world dismissed

Now sat with royalty dwelling in their midst

Thinking they were shepherds were really just the sheep

Of this tiny Good Shepherd laying fast asleep

Who would lead them to every pasture and stream

Who promises to give them all they need

Even through the valley of the shadow of death

He would still be with them closer than breath

 

Did they know this baby would be their protection

Guiding them in every right direction?

Did they know he would make them whole

Giving them deepest rest for their souls?

 

Like these shepherds by the world neglected

He came down to be despised and rejected

Creator of the galaxies gave up everything

Just to be with us, our shepherd King

 

The angels announced the first Noel

God is with us

Immanuel

 

How can it be, come and see

Come and worship, fall on your knees

Come to the king and bow before him

Come high and low, come and adore him

 

For us to say ‘it is well

God is with us

Immanuel

 

How did you feel when you knocked on that door

And saw that baby lying in the straw?

Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. We praise you for who you are. And we pray that you would help us to trust you as our counsellor, to trust your power, to trust you as our Father, to trust you as the Prince of Peace and our lives today, and to spread the good news of who you are to people around us and to peoples around the world. Amen