The last message in our Advent series, a little behind schedule. One of the plainest messianic prophesies comes in the context of judgment on the people of God. We see that though God's face will not shine for a time, he will not let his covenant promises fall to the ground. The people of God will go be in labor pains for a time, but the pain will end. When Messiah is born, then the people will find peace and security in his reign. He is both strong and gentle because he is the shepherd king.