One of the prophetic verses that is often quoted when we talk about the prophecies surrounding Christmas and the identity of the babe born in Bethlehem is Isaiah 9:6.
“For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
The assigned Psalm for thiis week on the liturgical calendar is Psalm 72. The babe of Bethlehem was named Jesus, Savior, Wonderful Counsellor, but also Mighty God. Many men have been known as wise like King Solomon who wrote this psalm. Verses 9-14 speak to the need for power by a true king.
9 May his foes bow down before him,
and his enemies lick the dust.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles
render him tribute,
may the kings of Sheba and Seba
bring gifts.
11 May all kings fall down before him,
all nations give him service.
12 For he delivers the needy when they call,
the poor and those who have no helper.
13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life;
and precious is their blood in his sight.
The movie “Lion King” is a brilliant story dealing with what a true king is like, Mufasa/Simba or Scar. In one scene the hyienas are lamenting their plight as Scar appears. They talk about the difference between Mufasa, a name that makes them shiver, and Scar who is “one of us,” not a real king. https://www.google.com/search?q=Lion+King+the+name+mufasa&oq=Lion+King++the+name+mufasa&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30j0i390l3.13249j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:b10d4601,vid:IF5pd_o6WoI
As we go into 2023, we go carrying the name of Jesus who is our savior (perhaps we only think of heaven and the future), who sends his Spirit to guide us, but who also has the power to deal with what ever challenges us daily. Now that is power! He does not use that power just to promote himself like Scar but he uses his power to help the weak and needy and to fight the oppression and violence in our lives. Now that is real power. Thank you Lord that you have the power to fight for us!
On the Way to Wonder 