MEDITATIONS FROM ISAIAH

 

December 28, 2005

Reading: Isaiah 9:6-7

 

“Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given” Isaiah 9:6

 

So, my soul, you may well ask, “What of it?” Children are born by the thousands every day. What makes this particular birth different and noteworthy? The immediate thought is that this “Child” was conceived in a unique way. Through the genealogical line of Jesus the Bible records the father “begot” the son. With Jesus, this normal means of propagation in His line ceased. It could not be said, “Joseph begot Jesus.” Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and this news was first told to Joseph (Matt 1:20). The fact that Jesus was born without the physical participation of Joseph or any other man makes Him unique in the history of mankind. Departing from the normal means of conception was necessary so that He could be born without sin. The sinful nature passed down in every conception and birth since Adam was interrupted by the act of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was and is fully man for He was born of Mary, but He is also fully God for He was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Ah, but read on, “Unto us a Son is given.” The Child was born, but the Son was given. This is the essence of the gospel. The New Testament writings excel in statements that God gave His Son and that He was sent by His Father. Jesus is God’s Gift and you are the recipient of that Gift – “Unto us a Son is given.”

This was no ordinary son; there was something special about this child. Scripture goes on to announce some phenomenal facts about Him. This Child becomes a Mighty God; This Son becomes the Everlasting Father, and this Baby becomes the Prince of Peace; not only God, Father and Prince, but Governor of an everlasting kingdom, one that will have no end. The responsibility of this kingdom rests squarely on His shoulders and He will govern it with judgment and justice.

Christmas is more than presents and family gatherings, it is when you, my soul, will remember that God’s Son was given for you, that you might also become God’s son.

 

“Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved” Eph 1:5-6.

 

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” Gal 4:4-7.