A child has been born for us. We have been given a son
Who will be our ruler.
His name will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God,
Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.
His power will never end; peace will last forever.
He will rule David’s kingdom and make it grow strong.
He will always rule with honesty and justice.
The LORD All-Powerful will make certain
That all of this is done.
Isaiah 9: 6-7
Reflect on the word MIGHTY for a few moments.
“A mighty God.”
What does it mean to be mighty in this 21st century?
- mighty space explorations; mighty global enterprises;
- mighty political power; mighty military arsenals;
- mighty technological achievements.
How mighty is “mighty”?
As I prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ-Child who bears the titles “Prince of Peace”, “Wonderful Advisor”, “Mighty God” I need to examine honestly the implications of my allegiance to such a Savior.
God, incarnate as Peace, Honesty, Justice and Power, is my God and as well as the Creator of the universe. A truly mighty God who cares for the universe and me. It is difficult for my mind to wrap itself around such an awesome idea.
Mighty God, may I always be aware of the consequences of my allegiance to you.
© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera
For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.
When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.
The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.