A Child Is Born

by Dr. Ann Pearson on December 21, 2020

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

This scripture has been read in churches throughout the world to proclaim the birth of the Christ child. In this Christmas week, as we approach Christmas morning we come with expectancy and yearning of new things to experience. We celebrate our Savior’s birth which brings hope, love, joy and peace. We are truly blessed children of God to have our Heavenly Father give us one of the best gifts of all His Son, Jesus Christ.

The birth of Jesus brings the newness of life to a world that is in search of turning the page in this year of 2020. On the fourth Sunday of Advent we have the opportunity to meditate and embrace the peace that Jesus brings to our hearts and our world. The fourth candle of Advent is called the “Angel Candle” and symbolizes peace. This name comes from the fact that the angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace. We all desire to have peace in our lives and that has certainly been a challenge this year in the midst of the uncertainty and interruptions all around. The good news is God is bigger than all of this and with this season of Advent we are called to renew our spirits with the Baby at the manger.

Our Heavenly Father wants us to know that He will provide in every situation. Letting go of our own control and trusting Him can be an uphill challenge but He invites us daily to come to Him. As we experience His presence, our spirits will be calmed and a peaceful awareness will come into our lives. He gave us the greatest gift of all, His Son to come and live among us and die on the cross for each of us. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. As we grow in our faith and believe in His wondrous works and miracles we can experience His peace which surpasses all understanding.

Our challenge is to focus our hearts on the “Lord of peace” who came down from heaven in the form of a baby. God knows that we are in a constant battle against fear and chaos! Fear and unbelief wants to cripple us, to push us to react rather than carefully respond, and fear steals our joy. God has given us the gift of peace so we can live joy-filled lives! May God’s spirit transform our hearts in these days leading up to Christmas where peace enfolds and surrounds us as we await our King’s birth! God wants us to replace our fear with His faith.

Prayer:

Lord, Come and fill our hearts with your peace, You alone O Lord are holy. Come and fill our hearts with your peace. Alleluia! Alleluia! “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” Amen

My love and prayers to you all,

Merry Christmas

Ann

About the Author

Dr. Ann Pearson

Ann graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Consumer Economics and household Equipment. She has a Masters in Science in Grief Counseling and Thanatology as well as a Doctorate in Philosophy of Pastoral Counseling and Thanatology from Breyer State University.

Her early professional career was spent working with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, helping families of low income; working for the City of Charlotte Public Works Dept. and as a preschool teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mobile and Fairhope AL. Ann has lived in Fairhope since 1986 where she immediately began serving in the youth department of Fairhope UMC. She joined the staff in 1990 as Youth Director, serving twice in this position and was also the interim Director of Children and Family Ministries for two years here! Ann had dual positions here at Fairhope UMC as Youth Director and Director of Caring Ministries which led to her becoming the full time Director of Caring Ministries in 2000. Ann loves her church family and appreciates the humble opportunity to be serving in this community. Ann has 2 children: daughter, Allison (Ryan) and son, Brad (Kate) and four granddaughters between the two! You will come to know she is passionate about University of Alabama Football, Grayton Beach and taking care of the people in this community by offering love, peace and God’s grace.

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