“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)
When I’ve had a break in the busyness of preparing for our celebration of Thanksgiving and Christmas, my favorite mode of “mindless vegging” has been to curl up under a comfy blanket and watch the current schedule of Hallmark Christmas Movies (which began sometime in October—what?). The movies’ themes are predictable and can be summed up in three elements: romance, struggle, and victory—aka happy ending.
I’ve discovered my favorite selections are those that involve royalty. You know the plot: handsome prince in want of a wife finds his soul mate in a beautiful young woman who tradition says is unacceptable due to her low station in life. No chance in eternity she could be chosen unless the prince went against reason, rules and tradition, stepped down to her level and lifted her up to his.
That’s why I love these stories. They remind me the true Prince is Jesus and the bride is __________ (put your name in the blank space). He left His throne to search for His bride. The bride price? His sacrificial death on the cross. May we never underestimate the price He paid to bring us into union with Him.
“I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 (NLT)
He fulfilled many prophecies in His first coming, proof that He keeps His word. And He has promised to come again for His bride.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2-3 (KJV)
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.” Revelation 22:17 (NLT)
By Marilyn Allison