Merry Christmas: I'm glad this prediction came true

Well the Mayan Calendar turned and all is well it seems. The doomsayers awaited the end of the world, Nibiru, Planet X, something. The clock ticked into the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and now here we are on the 25th of December 2012: Christmas Day.

There was some furor over Harold Camping's predictions for the end of the world in may 2011 and then when that didn't pan out he corrected himself to give a date in November. Thankfully when that didn't pan out either he retired. It can make you a skeptic...

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...but If it weren't for the season of Advent we would not have a reminder of God's promises of hope. Predictions form real prophets that actually came true:

Jeremiah: 33:14-16

Jer 33:14-16The days are coming, says the LORD,
when I will fulfill the promise
I made to the house of Israel and Judah.
In those days, in that time,
I will raise up for David a just shoot ;
he shall do what is right and just in the land.
In those days Judah shall be safe
and Jerusalem shall dwell secure;
this is what they shall call her:
"The LORD our justice."

Isaiah: 7:14, 9:5-6

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel.

For a child* is born to us, a son is given to us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,d
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
Upon David’s throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
By judgment and justice,
both now and forever
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

Micah: 5:1-4a

Thus says the LORD:
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
too small to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time
when she who is to give birth has borne,
and the rest of his kindred shall return
to the children of Israel.
He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
he shall be peace.

And so here we are celebrating Christmas 2012, God's fulfillment of his promise of a Savior who would show us the way back home. The baby in the manger proved stronger than the emperor in Rome, He is truer than any god the Mayans could hope for. His coming brings peace. But be wary; he was born in a stable and lay in a manger because there was no room in the inn. Will he find room in us?

May the peace of Christ find a place in your heart and home this Christmas and always.

Love,
Deacon Michel