Advent Words: Z is for Zeal

Z is for Zeal

"The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." Isaiah 9:7

Zeal is not a word that is used often in the present day. Its dictionary meaning is dedication, strong interest, or intense enthusiasm. We may use the word passion in its place. In a religious sense it means devotion to God. The Hebrew meaning of the word used for zeal is ardor or jealousy and has the picture of intense fervor, passion, or emotion. At the end of Isiah 9:1-7, after having described the coming Messiah's character and reign, it says "the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."

Throughout the Bible we are told of God's unfailing love for His people and His faithfulness in doing what He has promised He will do. God promised a Messiah, a just King who would redeem His people. Commentator Bob Utley, says that the zeal of God "is the guarantee of its reality". God the Father's intense love and devotion for His people is the motivation for Him to fulfill His promise.

Today we celebrate the fulfillment of that promise in the birth of Jesus Christ. Love came to earth. God's zeal and commitment to fulfill His promise of the Messiah seeks a zealous, passionate, and obedient response: Our devotion to His Son.

On the night of his birth an angel declared that our Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. A host of angels made a zealous response:

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men

on whom His favor rests!

Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas!

Our Advent journey ends today. Thank you for journeying through this season with me. May you know His Presence and His blessings today and in the year ahead. May Christ be alive in your heart and in your life in fresh and new ways in the coming year.  

Next weekend Valerie Sjodin, Bernice Hopper and I will share our plans for an inspirational project in 2019 that will take place in the Living Your Word of the Year Facebook Group. Watch my blog for the introduction to this 2019 project.

Share your creative response to the Advent Words challenge in our private Facebook group  Join here:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wordschallengegroup/

Share  on Instagram and other social media with the hashtag #adventwords2018.

Check out my Pinterest board for this challenge and see some of the wonderful and diverse creativity of Advent Words 2018 participants. https://www.pinterest.com/marynbtol/advent-words-2018-challenge/