Isaiah locates this joy in the giving of a little Child. He dreams a new day into being, when true authority and dominion will be found, but not in battalions of soldiers; they will cast their bloody uniforms into the flames where they belong. God's new day is about the birthing of a Child who will bear the symbol of dominion on his tiny young shoulders. He will inherit the boy-king David's throne, do battle with evil and bring a realm of justice and peace. This coming Child turns the world of power upside down.

Paul's letter to Titus invites us further into the praise song of our salvation. It is the song of a people loved undeservedly into new life. Paul writes, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works" (2:11-14). Disciplined by grace! - USK

Because of Christ,

Pastor Ulysses Stephen King, Jr.