A Christmas Card from God

Isaiah 9: 6-7

 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.

How many Christmas cards have you seen with this beautiful verse printed on the front? Every year, I notice it popping up in festive cards, and it never fails to make me smile. In my own Bible, I’ve even outlined these words and scribbled in the margin: ‘Christmas card from God.’ I picked up that phrase in a Bible study years ago, and it has stayed with me ever since. To me, this verse feels like a special greeting from God—a message sent out long before we ever started mailing holiday cards, meant for everyone, not just a select few. God wanted to make sure no one missed this good news, dispatching His own divine ‘card’ to the world.

This message isn’t just a formal announcement—it’s a personal invitation. The words in Isaiah introduce us to a savior who comes with qualities that meet us right where we are. If we need wisdom, he’s there as our trusted advisor, like the best counselor a king could have. If we feel weak or overwhelmed, he’s strong and mighty, ready to hold us up when we can’t manage on our own. He’s an everlasting friend, one who never lets us down, no matter what. And perhaps most comforting of all, he brings peace—not just the absence of conflict, but a sense of calm in the middle of chaos, a feeling of wholeness even when life spins out of control.

This season, I’m holding on tight to my ‘Christmas card from God.’ I’ve accepted this personal savior, and I’m paying extra attention to the gifts and sparkles He sends my way—whether it’s a warm smile from a neighbor, a song on the radio at just the right moment, or a quiet evening at home filled with gratitude. These are the little reminders of God’s love and presence scattered throughout the holidays and the coming year.

As you go through this season, I encourage you to look for your own ‘Christmas cards’—those moments, big or small, that remind you of God’s care. May you discover meaning, peace, and connection in the ordinary and extraordinary experiences that fill your days.

Paula Heiney