Yesterday afternoon we enjoyed our churches Christmas car park party to bring in the 2009 Christmas season. Before that we had spent time at the Howick Christmas Parade. A float went by that was a giant birthday cake with big letters spelling out "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS" around the cake. Both events help put us in the spirit of the great season of Christmas. Birthday parties at our house have always been massive events, a kind of season if you like, as all three of our girls share the same birthday. My wife Cheryl has always been very creative at putting together a celebration that the kids all enjoyed. When babies are born, most of the time any way, it is an occasion of great joy and rejoicing for the parents and surrounding family and friends.
My thoughts this Christmas have turned to a unique prophecy that was spoken by one of Israel’s ancient prophets named Isaiah. In the book of the bible that bears his name Isaiah 9:6-7 it reads, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Many people have heard these lines in Handles great musical piece known as "Handle's Messiah." But have you ever slowed down and noticed the subtle yet powerful way in which Mary's boy child is described here? A child is born...a son is given. It is the primary reason for this Christmas season otherwise it would simply be the birth of any other person in history. But a child is born... a son is given makes all the difference in the whole world. A child is born speaks to the human nature of Christ the messiah. He was human as we are human and was tempted as you and I are tempted. He can identify with all we face as humans. But a son is given changes everything. The son pre-existed. He was not born he was given to us by God the Father. Yes he was tempted in all ways we are tempted yet…. without sin! He was perfect in every way. He was God wrapped like a Christmas gift in human skin! That is why we celebrate his birthday. It is the reason we have this strange ritual of giving gifts to each other at someone else’s birthday party. Because we have all been given a gift from God the Father…. A son is given. Mary’s boy child… Jesus Christ. Have you by faith recieved this wonderful gift? Merry Christmas everyone!
My thoughts this Christmas have turned to a unique prophecy that was spoken by one of Israel’s ancient prophets named Isaiah. In the book of the bible that bears his name Isaiah 9:6-7 it reads, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Many people have heard these lines in Handles great musical piece known as "Handle's Messiah." But have you ever slowed down and noticed the subtle yet powerful way in which Mary's boy child is described here? A child is born...a son is given. It is the primary reason for this Christmas season otherwise it would simply be the birth of any other person in history. But a child is born... a son is given makes all the difference in the whole world. A child is born speaks to the human nature of Christ the messiah. He was human as we are human and was tempted as you and I are tempted. He can identify with all we face as humans. But a son is given changes everything. The son pre-existed. He was not born he was given to us by God the Father. Yes he was tempted in all ways we are tempted yet…. without sin! He was perfect in every way. He was God wrapped like a Christmas gift in human skin! That is why we celebrate his birthday. It is the reason we have this strange ritual of giving gifts to each other at someone else’s birthday party. Because we have all been given a gift from God the Father…. A son is given. Mary’s boy child… Jesus Christ. Have you by faith recieved this wonderful gift? Merry Christmas everyone!
