For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (New American Standard Bible/NASB)
Aside from catching up with family and friends on Christmas Eve, my favorite thing to do is catch up with Charlie Brown, Linus, and his friends on “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” – the 1965 film version. I can watch this precious masterpiece everyday and learn something new each time. Just as it did in 1965, we today, share Charlie Brown’s dilemma and ponder upon finding the truest meaning of Christmas. Within the commercialization and sensationalism of materialism, the authentic design for Christmas has been lost.
By now, I hope you have thoroughly filled your days with activities such as baking, shopping, planning, traveling, and gathering and you can now STOP! If you really want to discover the meaning of Christmas, you must first accept this one truth – The birth of Christ the Savior is who came to Earth to save mankind. Therefore, the truest gift is found in – Christ and mas (Latin for more) of Christ.
Recalling Linus’ version of the Christmas story, “for behold, I bring unto 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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger”. This child is presenting an adult experience in all of its gloriousness and sweetness as he remains wrapped in his blanket.
As you expand your focus on the magnificence of this special time of year let us reflect on the following:
- JESUS’ BIRTH FULFILLS PROPHESY. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
- The Book of Isaiah, which was written hundreds of years before Christ’s birth, is widely seen as a prophetic text. Predictions surrounding Jesus’ birth and life appear throughout the Old Testament, but this verse often receives increased attention during the Christmas season.
- MARY RECEIVES A WORD FROM GABRIEL. “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’” – Luke 1:26-33 (NIV)
- As we consider the birth of Christ, we must remember how Mary, Jesus’ mother, was informed of her surprise pregnancy — a pregnancy that changed the course of human history. Mary’s humanity is seen in these verses, as she is initially troubled by the angel’s appearance. But she comes to quickly embrace God’s calling on her life.
- A CHILD OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” – Matthew: 1:20-23 (NIV)
- Joseph, too, received an important message — one that was both shocking and unexpected. This passage highlights the miracle of Jesus’ birth. We can use our sanctified imaginations and put ourselves in Joseph’s shoes. He had not broken any laws; he may have thought about divorcing Mary because he didn’t understand how his virgin wife could be pregnant. However, he, like Mary, made the choice to listen to the angel and to embrace God’s plans. This section of scripture is particularly important, as it references Isaiah 7:14, and proclaims that the events described in Matthew are a fulfillment of that prophecy.
- A TRUSTWORTHY SAVIOR WILL BE BORN. “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.” – Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
- Jesus — the child who was given to us at Christmas — has the weight of the world on his shoulders, yet He is strong enough to bear it all. Isaiah’s prophecy tells us that Jesus’ reign will be never-ending. Christ has all wisdom to guide our paths and the strength to carry all our burdens. He is the Everlasting Father, loving us as His children, eternally.
- SHEPHERDS HEAR THE GLORIOUS NEWS. “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.’” – Luke 2:8-11 (NIV)
- This scripture conveys how an angel once again encouraged those involved in the Christmas story not to be afraid. These verses also remind us of the joy surrounding the birth of Jesus. Some might question why shepherds were chosen as the first on Earth to hear the glorious news of the birth of the Savior of the world. I believe the good news did not approach first to kings or wealthy individuals; instead, it’s shepherds who were minding their business and their flocks. There is an atmosphere of humility in receiving this vision for our futures.
Jesus’ story is one of truth, love, and hope that brought salvation to all of humanity. Without the birth of Jesus Christ, there would be no hope of Heaven for humanity.
This Christmas, remember the true meaning of the holiday and celebrate God’s incredible act of love. Celebrate Christmas out of gratitude for what God did for humanity and remember His birth by giving gifts, worshiping Him, and rejoicing in the promise of Heaven.
Merriest of Merry Christmas my Friends and sweet Holiday Greetings to you and yours.
…now what, Linda
now what, Linda? 