“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
What do you think of when you hear the story of the birth of Jesus? Are you filled with awe and wonder of his miraculous conception? The place, time, and circumstances of Jesus’ birth were indeed miraculous. A sign that God had come in the flesh to dwell with humanity.
During this holiday season of let us rejoice in the Lord the victory has already been won. This is a time to think on the goodness of God knowing that He has conquered the world. ” I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33).
Isaiah chapter 7 introduces us to a wicked king of Judah named Ahaz. He had forsaken his father’s legacy. He led the nation into idolatry. Ahaz’s father and the three former kings of Judah had been faithful to the God of David. Nevertheless, the Bible makes clear that Ahaz did not get God’s divine seal of approval. In fact, the biblical authors first introduce King Ahaz. They state he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God. Unlike his father David, Ahaz did not follow in those righteous footsteps. (2 Kings 16:2; 2 Chronicles 28:1)
Ahaz didn’t want God’s help, so he declined the offer. He was attempting to be humble, but it’s not humble to disobey what God commands. But God gave him a sign anyway. The sign wasn’t just for him. It was also for the entire nation. During Ahaz’s reign, the Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Micah ministered to the southern kingdom. In Isaiah’s case, God commissioned the him to speak directly to King Ahaz on more than one occasion.
In Isaiah 7:13-14, Isaiah prophesied to Ahaz. He said that a pure young woman will give birth to God’s son. He will be called Immanuel (God with us). “Then Isaiah said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel.”
Isaiah prophesies in chapter 9:6-7 that Jesus Christ will come as a baby. “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
The picture of a kingdom of peace cannot be complete without the manifestation of a king. In describing that king, Isaiah uses words. These words can’t find a fulfillment in any child of man. Isaiah’s prophecy God offers us hope for the future. He speaks of a coming light. This light will illuminate those who are in distress and darkness. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2). The prophecy was later fulfilled. The angel Gabriel visited Mary and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you. The power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).
The gospels reveal the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. They also describe his life and work. His death on the cross and his ascension to heaven are included. The message of the gospel tells of Christ crucified for the salvation and redemption of humanity. It is a story of divine love, grace, mercy, faithfulness, goodness, and justice.
The Book of Matthew also records the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Matthew 1:18-23. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”
Luke 2:7-16 describes Jesus’ (Yeshua) miraculous birth. He was born to a virgin named Mary. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. “And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a Manger, because there was no place in the guest room. Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then the Angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, foresee, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a savior, Who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: You will find a child wrapped in a balance of cloth and lying in a Manger.” And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of heavenly hosts, praising God, and saying, glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
I have lived by faith in the Son of God for many years. I have preached and taught from the Biblical texts (scriptures). The great gift of the Christian faith is the proclamation of the good news even in bad or difficult times. Habakkuk 2:4 and Hebrews 10:38 says that the just and righteous ones will live by faith in God.
Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 6:63 says, “It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” Jesus’ death on the cross showed that the world was not ready. He preached the glad tidings, but the world was not prepared to hear them.
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (James 5:1-4). During this holiday season, let us remember that every generous act of giving is from above. Every perfect gift is also from above. They come down from the Father of lights. With Him, there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)
May you have a blessed and prosperous New Year. Drink deeply of the water of life who is Christ. “Knowing the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, and that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19).
Happy Holidays,
Minister A. Francine Green
Note: All scriptures quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) unless indicated otherwise.
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