Page 2 - Contact Winter 2017
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Norman’s
Viewpoint
The book of Isaiah is a huge book; 66 chapters This Advent season we will seek to go a little
and covering about 200 years of Israel’s history in deeper into chapters 7-11 of Isaiah as we unpack
one way or another and indeed beyond into even who exactly this child is, why He is the Messiah
our future. It is such a vast, sprawling book that and how we should then respond. In days of
some have found it hard to believe that one man confusion and cataclysmic events – from terrorism
was the author. Isaiah has been called the greatest to powerful hurricanes – may Isaiah’s prophecy
of the writing prophets and when we read it our calm our nerves as we realise we have a great
minds and hearts are expanded as we contemplate Saviour and His name is Jesus. The prophet looks
the greatness and the glory of God - He is the Holy forward to the day when the nations and peoples
One of Israel. who believe in Jesus will stream up to the
mountain of the Lord. Our God is in control
In part of the book, Isaiah refers often to the of history and He can be trusted.
coming Messiah of the world. In memorable
language he says “unto us a child is born, to us a God is working out His purposes and He inspired
son is given, and the government will be on His a prophet, eight centuries before Jesus came, to
shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful write about His coming and indeed His second
Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, coming. This Christmas may our vision of God
Prince of Peace” (Is.9:6). be expanded and deepened as we allow God to
minister to us through this wonderful prophecy.
Every Christmas we read these words. As we celebrate afresh the birth of the Christ child
in humble circumstances, may we be inspired to
Each statement is weighty and carries much see that He is the one of whom it is said “of the
Glory with it. increase of His government and peace there will
be no end and He will reign for ever.” (Is.9:7,11)
Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas Season.
Norman
“unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and
the government will be on His shoulders.
