The Eternal Wonder of Jesus

An astrological event occurred last weekend that was announced as a once in a lifetime event.  It was a lunar eclipse nicknamed a beaver moon.  Did you see it?  I was working with AFD when a co-worker at the firehouse across town sent me a text reminder to look for the eclipse on runs throughout the night.  It was amazing to see and a perfectly clear sky to view it in.  Quite honestly, if it wasn’t for emergency calls getting me out of bed, I probably wouldn’t have got up to see it even though it was promised to be rare and wonderful.  I thanked that co-worker the next morning for pointing my eyes to the stars.  Events like that can feel larger than life but there is an advent that outshines them all!

In our text for this week, we see Mary is visited by Gabriel.  Not only is Gabriel an angelic being, but Gabriel also has a supernatural message about the birth of Jesus as the promised Christ.  Imagine the awe and wonder of Mary in that moment.  Gabriel reported of Jesus’ Kingdom being one with no end.  The prophet Isaiah foretold the same as he described the birth of the Christ child as one whose reign would be forevermore. By these things, we are reminded that Jesus is ETERNAL and His Kingdom is an eternal one.

Isaiah goes on to list a bunch of names to attribute to the coming Messiah.  Jesus is too great for only one name so He will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.  The angel Gabriel said Jesus will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  Jesus is described by both Isaiah and Gabriel as one who is too great for just one name.  By these things, we are reminded that Jesus is WONDERFUL and His Kingdom is amazing. 

This Sunday, we will begin to celebrate Advent.  As we reflect on that moment in history I hope each of us will be filled with awe and wonder as we remember the coming to earth of Jesus of Nazareth.  May we see Isaiah and Gabriel as ones that have pointed our eyes to THE Star of stars – Jesus, the bright Morningstar!  May we rejoice in the favor we have found in Him!  May the joy of our salvation resound in our hearts and overflow from our lips as we praise the Most High for the eternal wonder revealed in His Son!  Let us hope together in His return as our eternal King and wonderful Savior!

Grateful and hopeful in Christ, 

Jon