All over the world, the birth of a child is usually accompanied by great joy and celebrations. Every child that is born is sent to this world for a purpose. The conception by Mary, the mother of Jesus, was divine as announced by angel Gabriel who visited her ab initio. The events that unfolded afterwards were not mere coincidences, but divinely orchestrated.
In the Old Testament, Prophet Isaiah gave a clear prophecy about the birth of Jesus Christ whose divine purpose and names were also succinctly stated. “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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). In the above scripture, in terms of gender, there was specificity and clarity of the prophecy! The word ‘child’ is a neuter gender, meaning that it could either be a male or a female child. Therefore, there was more description of the child’s gender – a son is given. Jesus Christ was given, as a gift, to the sinning and dying world. He was given as the escape route of salvation from the impending damnation. What a magnanimity from our Father, who gave His only begotten Son! (Jn. 3:16). The phrase: and the government shall be upon His shoulder, depicts the authority and rulership of Jesus. All powers in heaven and on earth is given to Him! An angel of God appeared to the shepherds, in the grazing field at night, and heralded the birth of Jesus. The angel remarked- “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Lk. 2:8-20). This angelic announcement confirms the uniqueness of the child Jesus, as the Saviour and Lord. Let us take a brief look at the circumstances surrounding the birth and life of Jesus. First, despite His power and influence, He was born in a manger; not even in the worst of the hospitals. This shows He was taught humility right from His cradle to His adulthood. Little wonder, He became humble to the point of death on the cross. Second, when Jesus was born, wise men from the East came to pay Him homage, and gave Him gifts. This confirms why Jesus Christ is the wisdom and the power of God both to the Jews and Greeks (1Cor. 1:24).
Beloved, you need to appreciate and celebrate Jesus Christ now and always! He is indeed the reason for the season. I wish the Cedar Family, home and abroad, Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance! God bless you richly. SHALOM.
