Boughs of Hemlock

Boughs of hemlock, full, adorning,

blessed to greet the winter morning;

like gifts, when Magi came afar,

from the east, and bowed beneath the Star,

and knelt at the feet of the King of Kings,

Creator of created things,

who became creation—a love to carry—

and trusted the goodness of Joseph and Mary.

Boughs of hemlock, rich and stately,

along the roadside, waving greatly;

like palm tree branches on the way

to Jerusalem, on that dark day,

when our Lord and Savior Jesus wept;

and on the road to the cross, kept,

to atone for us eternal peace—

from sin’s death hold, a sure release.

Boughs of hemlock, sprinkled with snow,

delicate grace on branches low;

like the change of season from winter to spring.

A new life planted, faith will bring

bearing fruit from a spirit clean,

and harvest of an evergreen.

God’s Word is truth, sustaining, well,

and honored, as the boughs will tell.

God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

Psalm 118:27

Boughs of Hemlock

The time has come to end the year and think of the upcoming new year. I’ve been wondering what word God would place in my heart for the 2020 year. And I have it! But, I’m not going to reveal the word in this post. You’ll have to wait (clue!) until next year (January 1^st)!

This past year, all my blog posts have ended with the word ‘peace’ and today’s post is the last one for the 2019 year. Peace is awesome. We want to live in peace, not pieces. And it’s the third fruit of the Holy Spirit, right after love and joy. The Giver of peace that passes all understanding is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Isaiah 9:2

It’s no fun groping along in the darkness. We might run into something, hit our head, stumble and fall down. After a while, we might begin to hear strange things and become paranoid. When light shines in, it alleviates troubles. Light changes the scene, lifts the turmoil and soothes the ache. Likewise, when existing day to day in death shadows, the reminder of vibrant life in, for example, a child’s laugh is celebrated. Shadowy death hovers over us. But, that same great light shines today.

Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

Isaiah 9:3

According to this verse, it seems joy is relational. It seems our joy in the harvest is according to our work done, like the farmer’s hard work all season being finally paid off with a good crop. Granted, it would be awesome to sit just inside Heaven’s pearly gates. But, the grander places further into the golden city might be discovered for those who, given ten, made one hundred. Remember the man who did nothing with the one talent he was given? He was stripped of it and thrown out (Luke 19:11-27).

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, and the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

Isaiah 9:4

God allowed victory for the nation of Israel with a small group of men. It was deliberate that the odds looked ridiculous against Midian as Gideon led a few men blowing trumpets and breaking jars against their enemy, a ridiculousness similar to Sarah giving birth at the age of 90 and King Hezekiah seeing an angel standing in the battlefield after it killed 185,000 men of the king’s enemy because Hezekiah prayed for help. Many Bible stories showcase that God is not timid in making a point.

God’s first words recorded in Genesis are “Let there be light”. I think that’s deliberate, too. Jesus is the great light seen by the people walking in darkness. Only Jesus Christ can break the yoke of sin, swipe the staff of the task-master and crush the rod of Satan, the prince of darkness.   

For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

Isaiah 9:5

I’ve never been in war nor do I wish to be. But, I remember visiting Gettysburg, PA and it was said that gunfire could be heard in Washington D.C. That’s loud! Surviving soldiers often had hearing damage. Confused noise and garments rolled in blood describe the terrible scene of war. The results of Hell, of losing the battle of salvation, of unbelief, will be with fire. Or maybe this verse means something else (or in addition to): Man’s battle is different than Christ’s battle. Earthly warfare is different than spiritual warfare. On the one side, there’s confusion. But, on the other, there is no confusion (or garments rolled in blood).

Now, we come to the well-known verse at Christmas time:      

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Unto us a child is born and that child is Jesus, the Son of God, the reason for the season. The reason for the Bible!

He is given, a fantastic present!

He rules the hearts of those who trust Him. He governs then, now and in the time to come. After all the failing governments of the world, we’ll enjoy a government that rests on His shoulders! Consider the meanings of the names that soar above all other names. We want to be on the wonderful, helpful, mighty, everlasting, peaceful side of government and eternity.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:7

Governments come and go. Over time, they end and a new government rises up. And the same is true with peace. It comes and go, only to be replaced by the ravages of war. But, not so with Jesus in command. There is ongoing just government and perpetual peace in the kingdom of the King of kings. How can this happen?

Because of zeal. God’s zeal.    

Remember the zeal of the LORD. It’s His enthusiasm that will bring about things. If you’re having a downer day or even holiday, remember how powerful God is and that He is able to accomplish great things. Pray. Ask the Giver of peace for the help needed to endure a difficulty. He is the great sustain-er who is waiting to hear from you in prayer.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

I Corinthians 14:33

Merry Christmas to you!

With green boughs in hand, welcome the Prince of Peace.