On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel's Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
But if you need one more reminder of the reason for the eternal, daily, season of giving so that we are always in a mode of “Good will toward men”, another group of angels gives us a priceless reminder. The story of a wealthy businessman who annually gives out hundreds of $100 bills to strangers motivated a group of Phoenix students-angels to start their own Secret Santa club.
Please click on this link
and require your children or someone feeling ambivalent about Christmas to watch this video of these children who raised $8,000 to give away to strangers. The secret is out: giving joy is the best gift you can give yourself.
With blood soaked clothes in Ukraine and blood-stained hands in Gaza, and your own children preoccupied with themselves, you might be thinking that the promised peace given to Isaiah to give to a dark world is not possible, but think on these words.
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
These words were made memorable in Handel’s Messiah, but they are forever etched in God’s program and promise of peace. We see in this one verse and these four names of this child, who has come and is coming again, that peace is possible because God is not missing, for Immanuel, the God-child—is with us.
First, peace is possible because of the One named Wonderful Counselor—Pele Yoes—an extraordinary strategist. Philippians 2:4-5 gives us a glimpse into that strategy: 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which is also in Jesus Christ. What a strategy! Put the interest of others ahead of yourself like the Phoenix students of the Secret Santa club.
Second, peace is possible because of the One named Mighty God—El Gibbor—whose power is love. God so loved the world he gave this Son”, the same son Isaiah proclaims this morning, this “Mighty God”. Love is his power.
Third, peace is possible because of the One named Eternal Father—Abi-ad—a present protector. Isaiah forecasted that the answer to Israel’s dark times is the One who gives protection like an ever-present father.
Fourth and finally, peace is possible because of the One named Prince of Peace—Shar-Shalom—who can bring a whole peace. Isaiah forecasted that the answer to Israel’s darkness was a leader whose administration will seek the welfare of the whole person: body, mind and soul—a whole peace.
The Secret is out: peace and good will to all men is possible when we embrace Isaiah’s Immanuel Child. Then embrace the application of the Phoenix Christmas Club angels who gets it: the joy of giving is your gift to yourself. And if you need another reminder, watch this story again:
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