Mary knew. Joseph knew. The busy crowds did not. For the masses it was a combination of a severe government-generated disruption and forced family reunions. Chaos abounded in the streets. Unknowingly, just down the dusty road on the outside of town a child was being born who would change everything about everything. Darkness to light. Separation to reconciliation. Bitterness to forgiveness. Shame to joy. Fear to hope. Loneliness to fellowship. Chaos to order.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is. 9:6)
As “Prince of Peace,” the child becomes “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
As “Everlasting Father,” he sacrifices his life to adopt unworthy orphans to become “the children of God” for all eternity.
As “Wonderful Counselor,” he walks with us to compassionately, patiently, and steadfastly restore in us “the image of God” so we can be free to live “the abundant life.”
As “Mighty God,” he won the war against Satan, sin, and death, therefore we too won.
Today that “child” remains the only one who can save a life, whether it is your adult prodigal, the street kid in Rio, or the frightful mother in the refugee camp in the Congo.
As you partner with us, we glorify this “child” as we serve as a conduit between the body of Christ in the west and the body of Christ in the global south. Jesus prayed that we would “all be one” just as he and the Father are one. So together we labor to see that this one body matures into the likeness of Christ and is mobilized to fulfill his great commission so that others can be set free.
So, whether you teach with ELI, give to ELI, or pray for the impact of ELI—THANK YOU!
Merry Christmas,
Chuck McArthur, Executive Director
