Artwork by Leslie Koch

Reader 1
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Reader 2
In the middle of the mess… wait.

Reader 1
For unto us a Child is born

Reader 2
In the congestion and the chaos of the everyday

Reader 1
Unto us a Son is given

Reader 2
When it feels like those in power don’t have your back

Reader 1
And the government will be upon His shoulder

Reader 2
Just wait. He’s on his way.

Reader 1
And his name will be called Wonderful

Reader 2
Phenomenal
Reader 1
Counselor

Reader 2
Mender

Reader 1
Mighty God

Reader 2
Beyond Comprehension

Reader 1
Everlasting Father

Reader 2
Personal Forever

Reader 1
Prince of Peace

Reader 2
An answer to the storm
Where the law demands condemnation
He offers forgiveness
Where the law claims authority
He challenges its foundation
Where the law shouts power and vengeance
He quietly serves without reservation

Reader 1
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end

Reader 2
We expected a political powerhouse
But received a Prince of Peace

Reader 1
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom
Reader 2
We requested a military mastermind
But received the Father of Forgiveness

Reader 1
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever

Reader 2
The core of his kingdom will never change
But the hope that he brings is fluid and personal

Reader 1
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this

Reader 2
The hope of Christ rests easy in our souls
That a child of double lineage
Of heaven and earth
Has come to light a way through the battle with unconventional weapons
That a child of humble circumstance
Can offer life after death and life in the present
That a child of miraculous sacrifice
Brings hope to the masses and joy to those who call Him by name

Categories: Advent, Faith, PoetryTags: Advent, art, Christian, christianity, christmas, christmas eve, Faith, God, hand lettering, hope, Jesus, joy, love, painting, peace, Poetry, praise, spoken word