Holistic Spirituality

SylviaFor unto us a Child is born,


Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7a

Most English translations say "and the government shall be on his shoulder." In our modern culture when we say the word "government," the image that comes to mind is the temporary nature of it. Governments rise and fall. If we don't like who is in office now, we wait a few years and elect someone else. Many have become cynical and don't believe government can really do anything.

The use of the word "government" waters down the intensity of what the Scripture is saying. To our modern mindset it is better translated "and dominion shall be upon his shoulder." Now what is coming to your mind when you hear dominion? A sense of royalty, rule, supremacy, never-changing authority and power, ability to accomplish whatever is needed or desired, full and complete control.

Full dominion is on the shoulders of Jesus. What beautiful shoulders they are.

Shoulders that lend His strength to the weak and sick.

Shoulders that bear burdens.

Shoulders that picked up a cross and carried it on our behalf.

Shoulders that lean forward to pick up a fallen one.

Strong shoulders that we can hide behind as He defeats our enemies.

Shoulders to lay our head on when our heart aches.

Shoulders that embrace us tenderly with love that never lets go.

Shoulders that shake with laughter as we delight Him.

Isaiah 9:7 says that of His dominion there will be no end. He is more than enough. He has abundant dominion for your every need. For whatever may be happening in your life right now, King Jesus has really big shoulders. Lean into Him.

"Lord Jesus, master of both the light and the darkness, send Your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear Your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to Your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of Your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of Your presence. We are Your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To You we say, "Come Lord Jesus!" (Henri J. M. Nouwen)

Be blessed to know that you can entrust yourself completely to the King
who was foretold so long ago who came to earth to reign in your heart.

King of kings and Lord of lords.
Forever and ever and ever.

Holistic Audio & Video

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Reflections to Consider

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Holistic Publications

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Publications

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Holistic Music

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Music

  • Jesus be the centre

    Center is a song that speaks of the essence of our life in Christ, and echoes the words the Christ Read More
  • I Lift My Hands

    A powerful hymn of adoration and praise Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir. This succinctly captures the joy of knowing our savior. Read More
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Holistic Reflection

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

  • Transforming this World: The Hope of Glory by NT Wright +

    Wright confronts the perspective that this world doesn’t matter, and that we live only to be in heaven. He shows Read More
  • What is Good in a World that Defies Hope: a talk by NT Wright +

    This is the second part of three talks by NT Wright at Harvard University in November, 2008 on the topic Read More
  • The Stream, the Lake and the River: NT Wright +

      Acts 2.1-21; John 7.37-39; a sermon at the Eucharist on the Feast of Pentecost, 11 May 2008, by the Read More
  • Jesus in the Perfect Storm by NT Wright +

    Zechariah 9.9-17; Luke 19.28-48; A sermon for Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011, In the University Chapel of St Salvator, St Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Christ is a Great Savior: a review of the movie Amazing Grace +

    Amazing Grace is a historical drama about William Wilberforce who was elected to British Parliament at the age of 21 Read More
  • Wilberforce, Hollywood's Amazing Grace, Charlotte Allen +

    William Wilberforce's relentless campaign eventually led the British Parliament to ban the slave trade, in 1807, and to pass a Read More
  • Making Beauty out of Ugly Things: Grace by U2 +

    Grace, she takes the blame She covers the shame Removes the stain It could be her name Grace, she carries Read More
  • The True Nature of Grace and Love: a movie review of the Soloist +

    The 2009 movie The Soloist is based on a book by the same name, written by Los Angeles Times columnist Read More
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