As promised, during these next 9 days we’ll be reminding ourselves of how Isaiah foretells the character and life of the coming Messiah in Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6.
(at the end of the post I’ve added a youtube video of a choir singing the famous song “Handel’s Messiah” which is based off of this verse)
Here’s the verse we’ll be foucusing on these next 9 days:
“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.
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.”
– Isaiah 9:6-7
And so we begin today with,
A Child Is Born, A Son Is Given
The fact that God loved us enough to save us is unthinkable.
That the Creator would not only sympathize with His creation,
but that He would go to the extent of becoming part of creation in order to save them – knowing that it would cost Him His life.
But it goes beyond that.
I think we miss the gravity of God’s offer:
A Child was born – that’s what we just covered, He became part of creation.
But what about the second part?
“A Son Is Given”
Given.
I was taught that when you give something, you need to make sure there are no strings attached, no expectations to meet.
Otherwise, it’s not a gift, it’s just a contract.
What about God’s gift?
God’s “no strings attached,” “take it or leave it,” “no obligation” gift of His Son to all of humanity is an above the top gift.
Think of it in these terms:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” -John 3:16
Did you catch that?
“Whoever believes in Him.”
Whoever.
God gave the most precious gift of salvation through His Son,
and left the name spot on the check blank.
He wrote an infinitely large check,
and said “whoever wants to cash this can simply write their name on it.
Whoever believes in Him.
Whoever believes in this Son, Who was given.
And not only is the gift avalible to everyone,
but consider what else God is doing:
This God of the universe,
Who spoke worlds and stars and life into existence
Is giving us the opportunity to accept or reject Him.
This God Who is so Holy, Powerful, and Rightous beyond our comprehension,
The God that all of creation bows to and obeys without a moment’s notice
The God Who angels tremble before and worship day and night…
He came down to us,
in a humble form of man
so that we would not be overwhelmed by His apperance
And gives us the choice to accept or reject Him.
From what we see in scripture, people who see God in His fullness can’t help but awknowledge His glory, honor, beauty and worth…
But God didn’t want those things to sway us.
To force us to love or obey Him.
So He came in the most humble way possible,
And gave us a choice.
To receieve this Son Given,
Or to reject Him.
But either way,
He gave Him,
No strings attached.
Let’s remember this as Christmas Day draws near.
This Child Born, this Son Given
Such a precious gift
Offered to all
Forced on none.
Let’s remember the goodness of our great God,
and celebrate His love and favor this Christmastime.