The Weight of the World: A Christmas Message

As I have spent time reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas, the account of Christ's birth this week, there is one passage that has stood out to me profoundly. The prophet Isaiah said something extremely interesting in reference to the future Messiah (Jesus). He said:

"For unto 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"

-Isaiah 9:6

When I read this passage, the phrase "and the government shall be upon His shoulder" jumped off the page at me. 

The message of Christmas is not just about the fact that Jesus came to forgive us of our sins and to bring us into relationship with God. He was also establishing a new kingdom--a new dominion. In other words, our human governments are of no comparison to the greatness of Christ's kingdom.

As we prepare for the end of another year and are preparing for a new one we are aware of exactly how unsteady and insecure the governments of the world are. From the inhumane atrocities we see in places like Syria to our own country's political division, we know that our governments are useless and frail. 

On the other hand, God's kingdom surpasses those uncertainties. We have no reason to be worried about our country's or world's affairs. We have no reason to feel without hope--because the future of the world is safe in His hands. He brings us security when the world can barely find it. He provides us with stability while the rest of the world is falling to pieces.

In fact, the next verse goes on to say:

Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,

-Isaiah 9:7a

So, God's kingdom is increasing--His will is expanding among the nations of the Earth and His dominion will never end. 

All of this should leave us with a sense of joy and hope. When Christ was born--God came near and dwelt among us--but more than that He brought the kingdom of God to us. So don't be bothered by the weight of the world, because the government is on His shoulders not ours!!