Three decades ago Michael Card penned a compelling Christmas song. His seasonal tune is titled “Celebrate the Child” and it urges everyone to recognize the reason we have to rejoice and celebrate. "Celebrate the Child who is the Light, now the darkness is over; no more wandering in the night, celebrate the Child who is the Light."
In his song Card captures something of historical significance. The people of God had been under the darkness of their sin and its painful consequences. They awaited deliverance. The long-awaited jubilation was promised in many times and through many prophets of God. In Isaiah 9:2 we read one such promise that deliverance would come. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone."
But how would this happen? What could possibly take away their misery and despair? The better question is “who?’ And the answer, of course, is the Child. Jesus is the Light who dispels the darkness. What a promise was given in Isaiah 9:6: "For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
This Advent we are going to “Celebrate the Child” together with Wildwood Fellowship Church.
Nov 28 & Dec 5 at Wildwood Fellowship Church (272nd St)
Dec 12 & Dec 19 at Webster’s Corners Elementary School Gym
As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we need to recalibrate if we are going to rejoice meaningfully. Our exploration will focus on the wonderful invitation to celebrate the Child who is so powerfully portrayed in Isaiah 9:6. Why are you celebrating this Christmas? What makes you rejoice?