For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9: 6)
Jesus came as Savior – to save his people from their sin. And each person must decide what he will do with his gracious offer. To accept or reject his salvation gift decides a person’s eternal destiny.
In this season, we celebrate the Savior’s coming.
Christ’s birth fulfilled exactly all Old Testament prophecies about his coming. Born humbly in Bethlehem in unhospitable circumstances in a stable. Born to a virgin and Fathered supernaturally by the Holy Spirit, and humanly a descendent of David.
Apprenticed as a carpenter’s son, his three-year earthly teaching ministry made an infinite and eternal impact. His life effected every sphere of human influence. He inspired some of the world’s greatest paintings, literature, music, and poetry. And his coming divides time between before his birth and after.
He fulfilled the prophesies about his life, painful death, return to life, and ascension to heaven. One day he will fulfill the prophecy of returning to earth to rule the world.
The great prophet Isaiah accurately foretold the appearance of this child 700 years before his birth. He said (Is. 9:6) he would be:
Wonderful Counselor: He is the author of all counsels given through the apostles and prophets and counsellor of his church through the ages. In him is all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Mighty God: He is fully God and fully man, a title agreeing only with Christ. Superhuman divine energy works through him in his rule.
Eternal Father: Though a child and son in his human nature, he is God and Father of all things. As a member of the Trinity, he participated in the creation of all things. And is the Father of all believers – his “children”.
Prince of Peace: He purchased with his blood peace between God and man; between man and man; and with his own conscience. He left a legacy of peace to his disciples.
What will you do with him?