"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Most of us know the story Jesus' birth. Many of us have heard it enough times to nearly quote it verbatim from scripture, without missing a detail. (See Luke 2 to read the story or refresh the details.) But what does it all really mean? Why do I even take the time to celebrate the birth, when His death is what brings life?
There are several Biblical reasons why Jesus had to be born as a man to redeem us. There is not nearly enough space on this blog to go through them all, nor would I ever claim to be an expert. A good example is the kinsman redeemer design described in the book of Ruth. (For a highly detailed description of what this model means, YouTube Chuck Missler - Book of Ruth and the Christmas Story.) Not to mention, the birth was the beginning of 354 prophecies from the Old Testament fulfilled by Jesus as the Messiah, including Isaiah 9.
But allow me to be a little selfish for a moment. What does His birth mean for me, besides leading to His death for my salvation? I tend to feel closer to those around me in which I can relate, and who can relate to me. It's easier to talk to someone who understands what I'm going through and can give real, experienced advice. I often struggle with talking to God, because He is perfect. How could a perfect God understand my imperfect struggles?
And in comes the Christmas story! Jesus was born a man! He had a family and friends. He had a childhood. He had a ministry. He lived in this world. He was surrounded by Godlessness. He was tempted by Satan. He was persecuted and died for those He loved. He can relate to me because He has been here. He DOES know what it's like. Even though God could already relate to His children, Jesus gave Him a personal side for you and me. His birth and death closed the gap between God and I, that I no longer have to go to a priest or holy man to be in His presence. I can simply talk to Him, and He can reply, "I know son, I remember the difficulties of that temptation, but I prevailed and so can you."
I think, and this is just my conjecture, that when Jesus' birth was foretold in Isaiah 9:6, the Spirit of God threw in the title of Counselor, among all the other powerful, Godly titles, to let the people know that He wanted the close, honest relationship that Jesus would provide. Where we can talk, and He can relate, and guide us toward His path through this life. So as we celebrate His birth this Christmas, remember that, whatever struggle you may be going through in this time, Jesus came to earth. He was a man, and He lived a life. There is no struggle He hasn't seen and conquered.
Father, thank You for coming to earth as a man so that we can relate to You, and You to us. Thank you for the peace that comes knowing that You are our Counselor and we can talk to You about anything. This season is often a time full of struggle and hardship. Help us to remember that the celebration is about Your gift and not ours, and that the season is all about You and not us. Praise You Father, in Jesus' name, Amen.
Most of us know the story Jesus' birth. Many of us have heard it enough times to nearly quote it verbatim from scripture, without missing a detail. (See Luke 2 to read the story or refresh the details.) But what does it all really mean? Why do I even take the time to celebrate the birth, when His death is what brings life?
There are several Biblical reasons why Jesus had to be born as a man to redeem us. There is not nearly enough space on this blog to go through them all, nor would I ever claim to be an expert. A good example is the kinsman redeemer design described in the book of Ruth. (For a highly detailed description of what this model means, YouTube Chuck Missler - Book of Ruth and the Christmas Story.) Not to mention, the birth was the beginning of 354 prophecies from the Old Testament fulfilled by Jesus as the Messiah, including Isaiah 9.
But allow me to be a little selfish for a moment. What does His birth mean for me, besides leading to His death for my salvation? I tend to feel closer to those around me in which I can relate, and who can relate to me. It's easier to talk to someone who understands what I'm going through and can give real, experienced advice. I often struggle with talking to God, because He is perfect. How could a perfect God understand my imperfect struggles?
And in comes the Christmas story! Jesus was born a man! He had a family and friends. He had a childhood. He had a ministry. He lived in this world. He was surrounded by Godlessness. He was tempted by Satan. He was persecuted and died for those He loved. He can relate to me because He has been here. He DOES know what it's like. Even though God could already relate to His children, Jesus gave Him a personal side for you and me. His birth and death closed the gap between God and I, that I no longer have to go to a priest or holy man to be in His presence. I can simply talk to Him, and He can reply, "I know son, I remember the difficulties of that temptation, but I prevailed and so can you."
I think, and this is just my conjecture, that when Jesus' birth was foretold in Isaiah 9:6, the Spirit of God threw in the title of Counselor, among all the other powerful, Godly titles, to let the people know that He wanted the close, honest relationship that Jesus would provide. Where we can talk, and He can relate, and guide us toward His path through this life. So as we celebrate His birth this Christmas, remember that, whatever struggle you may be going through in this time, Jesus came to earth. He was a man, and He lived a life. There is no struggle He hasn't seen and conquered.
Father, thank You for coming to earth as a man so that we can relate to You, and You to us. Thank you for the peace that comes knowing that You are our Counselor and we can talk to You about anything. This season is often a time full of struggle and hardship. Help us to remember that the celebration is about Your gift and not ours, and that the season is all about You and not us. Praise You Father, in Jesus' name, Amen.
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