#Christmas #Jesus

Unto Us a Child is Born

December 10, 2023
Pastor Jack

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Isaiah 9:6-7

For a child has been born for us; a son has been given to us. And the dominion will be on his shoulder, and his name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His dominion will grow continually, and to peace there will be no end on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and sustain it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of Yahweh of hosts will do this.

A new and better King is coming!

Isaiah 9:6–7

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Questions & Thoughts for Reflection

This prophesy comes in the time of the Assyrian invasion

  • The Northern Kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC
  • So, this prophesy is coming 700-plus years before the birth of Jesus
  • This was an extreemely difficult time for the Isralites
  • In Kings & Chronicles, we learn that God is using the Assyrians as judgement for the Isralites turning away from God

His name shall be called…

This is more a proclamation than just simply informational. Think of a royal court herald proclaiming the entrance of a King!

In a grand and ceremonial setting, picture a royal court herald standing tall, adorned in regal attire. The herald might wear a luxurious robe, embellished with the symbols of the kingdom, and a majestic crown atop their head. This individual would likely be positioned in a prominent location, such as the entrance to the royal palace or a central courtyard.

As the King approaches, the herald raises a trumpet to their lips, producing a triumphant fanfare that echoes through the air. The resonant notes of the trumpet signal the impending arrival of the monarch, capturing the attention of all present in the court. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and respect.

With the trumpet call fading, the herald’s voice rises in a powerful proclamation:

“Hear ye, hear ye! Let all within the realm attend and take heed! By the grace of the Almighty and the will of the sovereign, Aslan, ruler of Narnia, approaches!”

The herald’s words resonate through the courtyard, and a hush falls over the assembled courtiers. As the King enters, the courtiers bow or curtsy in reverence, and the herald continues to extol the monarch’s virtues, achievements, and the glory of the kingdom. The scene exudes an air of majesty and tradition, emphasizing the grandeur of the royal court and the importance of the sovereign’s presence.

Replace Aslan above with any of these names and you begin to understand the declaration being made here.

  • Wonderful Counselor
    • Omniscient
    • Omnipresent
  • Mighty God
    • John 1: 1-34
  • Everlasting Father
    • Eternal, unlike any previous kings
  • Prince of Peace
    • He was willing to pay any price to see that we come back to God
    • Romans 3:10
    • Romans 5:10
    • James 4:4
    • Nahum 1:2

This King is coming not to make your life better, but to make you better! Think back to Jesus as we see Him in the New Testiment.

  • with the rich, young ruler
  • with the woman at the well
  • in the boat with the disciples saying “be still” to the storm
  • healing the human body many times
  • rising from the tomb to give us life!

Notice what is not mentioned

  • Armies
  • Increasing borders
  • Increasing trade or economies

Recall that this prophecy is coming at a time when the Assyrians are at the doorstep.

  • What do you think the people of that time were seeking?
  • What might they have thought a “Prince of Peace” would bring?
  • A “Mighty God”?

Jesus came into this world and began to restore it; His work is both finished in a sense and very much ongoing in another.

  • There are many who have not heard the Good News
  • For those of us that know who holds these titles, do we lay down our pride and point to this Perfect King?
  • What might it look like in your life this Christmas to point others to the King?
  • This Christmas, let us search our hearts and minds:
    • Are we being what He called us to be?
    • Do we wear the title well?

This Christmas, let us talk about the King, love others and have concern for the lost!

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