This past Sunday began the season of Advent.  So, I thought I’d take a break from blogging about the Sermon on the Mount and shift to an Advent theme.

Isaiah 9:6-7 says,

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Today, I thought we’d focus on the first part, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given”.

It was almost 10 years ago that Melissa gave birth to our daughter, Kaylee.  I remember seeing this little baby and wondering whether I had what it takes to raise her.  We were learning about diapers and clipping nails and feeding.  We had to.  She was ours.  I remember right before we brought Kaylee home, the nurse jokingly told us, “Once you take her home, you can’t bring her back.  No returns!”

As we get ready to celebrate Christmas, this prophecy from Isaiah reminds us that the little baby born in Bethlehem that day is ours.  He was given to us.  What a precious gift!  Of all the gifts given on all the Christmases ever, this is the greatest.  He is our son, born of the virgin, Mary.  He is our savior, given for the sins of His people.  He is our Lord who sits at the right hand of the Father.  He was given…for you.

This idea carries over into every part of our lives of faith.  As we read the Bible and the many wonderful promises of God, our faith adds, “…for you.”  That is the very nature of faith.  We do not simply intellectually accept that Jesus died on a cross.  Your faith hears that Jesus died on a cross…for you.  You hear that forgiveness of sins was won…for you.  You hear that eternal life is given…for you.

This Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we celebrate the gift of the child, the savior, the Messiah that was given…for you.

Heavenly Father,
You gave Your Son for us.  This is a gift we could never have earned but absolutely needed.  Thank you.
Amen

In Christ,

Pastor Kurt