December 23, 2014

Isaiah 9:2-7

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.

3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.

6 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, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the greatness 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.

This passage contains what may be my favorite verse in all Scripture. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” Let those words linger in your heart for a moment. To us a child is born. Jesus was born in the most humble circumstances, among weary, hope-starved people.   His birth attended by cattle and perhaps a curious sheep or two. To us a son is given. The Hope of all the world spent His first night in a feeding trough. To us a child. All-powerful God clothed in the helplessness of fragile infancy. Entrusted to teenagers. To us a son. The Prince of Peace became a refugee before his second birthday. To us. The King of Kings in the most unusual disguise—like one of us. To us.

Jesus entered humanity and came near, the steepest descent ever recorded. From heaven to earth. Why did the Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Prince, and Wonderful Counselor come? He came to us and He came for us. Because we need Him– to be our King. Our Savior. Our Peace. Wonder of all wonders: Unto us a child is born.

What surprises you about the way that Jesus came to earth? Spend a few moments thanking Jesus for coming near to us.

For Families

Imagine if you were God- how would you have come to earth? Why do you think that Jesus came the way He did?