December 20, 1999

Dear Friends,

Two thousand years ago, the Children of Israel were awaiting the arrival of the promised Messiah. The Messiah, the anointed one, who would be their Savior, their Deliverer. They had waited since the days of old. Waited, as they were subjected to the rule of one task master after another. Waited, as waves and waves of conquering foes - the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persian, the Greeks had captured their lands, pillaged their homes, destroyed their temples.

Two thousand years ago, as Caesar and the Romans held them captive, the Children of Israel were still waiting. They waited because their hope was in the Lord. They waited, holding onto the words of prophets like Isaiah who foretold the birth of the Messiah: "For unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called

"Wonderful [Amazing. Astounding. Awesome. Excellent. Extraordinary. Glorious. Incredible. Magnificent. Marvelous. Prodigious. Spectacular. Superior. Tremendous. Wondrous.], Counselor [Advisor. Advocate. Defender. Guide. Intercessor. Intermediary. Leader. Mentor. Mediator.], The Mighty [All-powerful. Formidable. Indestructible. Indomitable. Masterful. Omnipotent. Sovereign. Strong. Supreme.] God, The Everlasting [Ageless. Ceaseless. Changeless. Eternal. Immutable. Infinite. Timeless. Unalterable. Unfathomable.] Father, The Prince of Peace [Contentment. Happiness. Harmony. Oneness. Reconciliation. Respite. Tranquility. Serenity. Unity.]." Isaiah 9:6,7

Two thousand years ago, an angel spoke to shepherds "as they watched their flocks by night: "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10,11)." The wait was over! The Savior, The Deliver was come.

Today, two thousand years later, we can still rejoice at the proclamation of the angel. We don’t have to wait. We can know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Messiah - our Savior, our Deliver - is come: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)." May the "peace of God that passeth all understanding (cf. Philippians 4:7)" be with you now and into the New Year.

In the Master’s Love,