“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
Red plastic totes with broken green lids fill my living room. Unlike the smooth bright ribbons of my imagination, Christmas decorations never untangle neatly. They spill over into nooks and crannies shrunken by downsizing. My cute collections look more like a garage sale eruption than a perfect magazine cover.
I don’t have space for all of it. I need to say good-bye to a bit of Christmas clutter.
But, how can I throw away the nostalgia of a daughter’s gifted nativity set, or a friend’s “just thinking of you” Christmas angel, and why, oh why, should I dump my sheep with the shedding wool from Aunt Anna? 
When the manager scene is in its traditional place, with shepherds, angel, sheep and camels, I will absorb it all with the quiet of a Christmas reflective spirit. My plaster angel sporting a clipped wing, homemade tree ornaments, and the glued-together star on my German wooden music box will all seem perfect.
It will be just right even in all its imperfections because I will sit in my littleness and contemplate One Greater. The wonder of an incomprehensible Ruler, who took on human flesh in the body of a newborn, will take center stage within my heart.
Isaiah, centuries before prophesied of a Child, the Son of God. In chapter 9, verse 6, Isaiah called Him by distinct titles. The first, Wonderful-Counselor, declares One beyond human understanding, who rules with wisdom. Mighty God, El Gibbor, proclaims He is strong to carry out what He declares because He is God Himself.
The Hebrew word “Gibbor,” means strong, mighty, powerful. Elohim, El in shortened form, is a common name for God in the Old Testament. We are introduced to Elohim in the very first verse of the Bible. In the beginning God, Elohim, created the heavens and earth. He is the One True God, Creator and Sustainer, without beginning or end.
This is Jesus.
This Mighty God whom Isaiah promised, willingly wrapped Himself in vulnerable finite flesh.
Can you imagine how a young virgin Mary must have felt when the angel Gabriel stood before her?
Surreal words from Gabriel, were ones she knew well as ancient prophesies. They had passed down through generations, only this time, the words were directed at her as the mother of the Messiah.
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. Luke 1:32-33 NKJV
As surely as Mary’s life forever altered that day, God’s power continues to transform lives today through the birth of His Son Jesus Christ. He brought salvation. He dwells with us, giving strength, power, and wisdom in our daily lives. And, He welcomes us home to live with Him forever.
How does Mighty God change who you are and how you live each day? What does the fact that He is a Mighty God mean for you today?
Christmas clutter begins to sort when we fix our eyes on His character. We discard some of the distractions that rob our attention and consume our hearts. For the more our eyes feast on El Gibbor, Mighty God the greater we are awed by His sacrifice for us, and the more precious becomes our view into the manager.
Christmas tree lights, at least the ones that still work, sparkle into the dark of my restored living room. Mary and Joseph, with rough edges and flecked paint, now kneel in their rightful places of honor. A makeshift trough cradles a Baby-King. And the clipped-winged-angel hangs crooked, just the way I like it.
*feature photo by Sylvia Schroeder
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Also, check this out!
I have the privilege to be included in the Christmas Refresh Bible Study Magazine. The subscription is free, and it contains encouraging, uplifting stories and articles. I know it will bless you!You’ll find my story “All I Want For Christmas,” in the Refresh magazine. Select magazine-style or single-page versions at the links below.
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