John 3:16 (HCSB) “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
The greatest gift of all came to us on Christmas. God’s Son.
Celebrate! Jesus Loves You!
And if you want… sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus!
Matthew 2:11 (HCSB) Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
What is myrrh?
MYRRH An aromatic resin having many uses in the Ancient Near East. It was traded along with spices (Gen. 37:25), used as an ingredient in anointing oil (Ex. 30:23), applied as perfume (Esth. 2:12), placed in clothes to deodorize them (Ps. 45:8), given as a gift (Matt. 2:11), and used to embalm bodies (John 19:39).—Holman Bible Dictionary
Why give a baby a spice used to embalm bodies?
Perhaps it was given as a perfume. However, it is in hindsight appropriate to give embalming spices to Jesus, who was our sacrifice.
Jesus gave everything for us. What can we give to Him?
Like the legend of the little drummer boy… we can give to him what we have.
Jesus wants all of us.
We can give the gift of service in 2008.
What does God want you to do in 2008? How will you serve? Perhaps you will serve in the church, or with the homeless, or you may serve as a room mom in school, or as a volunteer at a community event. You can represent Christ wherever you go and serve Him in the process.
Pray: Dear God, where should I serve this next year? Help me give the gift of service. Amen.
Matthew 2:11 (HCSB) Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
What is frankincense?
FRANKINCENSE An ingredient used in making the perfume for the most holy place in the tabernacle (Ex. 30:34). It is a resinous substance derived from certain trees in the balsam family. Frankincense was one of the gifts presented to the child Jesus by the Magi (Matt. 2:11).—Holman Bible Dictionary
It was used for worship. Another gift fit for Jesus, who is our High Priest.
We can give the gift of worship to Jesus in 2008. To put it simply, let’s go to church! I know that there may be a hundred things keeping us from it, but let’s give ourselves to committing every Sunday to Him.
We can worship God alone, but the Bible constantly encourages gathering together for worship. Worship happens better when we are with others. Join the family as we worship!
Pray: Dear God, help me follow through with a commitment to be in church every Sunday. Amen.
Wise Men, Gift One
Matthew 2:11 (HCSB) Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The wise men. The great controversy of Christmas. Traditional nativity scenes and modern thinking puts them at the manger when Jesus is born. Others argue that the Bible indicates that Jesus was in a “house” when they came to visit and that Herod killed all the babies 2 years old and younger indicating that perhaps the magi had told the king how long they had been following the star. And what about this star… Here’s some interesting reading about one man’s thoughts on the star: Article: Bethlehem star: both natural & miraculous?
And were there three wise men? (that number comes from the number of gifts) And what is a wise man (or magi) anyway? (Probably an astronomer-studier of stars)Anyway - what we do know is that these guys from the east came and gave Jesus some gifts. this is really where the whole gift-giving at Christmas comes from.
For the next three devotions, I am going to look at the three gifts and perhaps we can see what we can give to Jesus this next year.
Gift #1: Gold
Gold. A gift for a King.
As Jesus is the King of kings, it seems fitting that he should get gold. Some speculate that Joseph used the gold to set up shop in Egypt. Who knows.
I think that we can be like the wise men and give our gold (money) to Jesus. We should be faithful to give a tithe (that’s a tenth) to our local church in order that the Word of God can be preached everywhere. We should also give more than what is required to assist in other areas as the Lord shows us. Give the gift of money to Jesus in 2008. Not because He needs your money, but because He is worthy of it.
Pray: Dear God, help us to be faithful in giving money to you. Amen.
Matthew 2:1-12 (HCSB) 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all
Herod had a right to be jealous of Jesus. Jesus was born to be the King of kings and Herod did not want there to be another King. Herod not only wanted to be king, he could not stand the idea of there being a successor to his throne. He was so paranoid that he had his own son executed five days before he died for fear he would take over too soon. He tries to get Jesus by killing all the babies , age 2 and under in Bethlehem. (Certainly a valid definition of overkill)
If he had been rational, he would not have tried to kill the baby. How can you kill the true King? His only rational choice would to have done as the magi suggested. He should have bowed to worship the little King.
We sometimes have the same weakness as Herod. No, I guess we don’t go around executing our relatives or killing babies. However, we have this problem letting anyone else rule over us. We want to be king of our lives. We try to stop any effort of anyone else getting to make decisions for us. We want to be king of our lives. We are a lot like Herod. Publicly we say, tell me where this King Jesus is, and I will go and worship him. But then privately we say, I really want to know where he is so I can destroy Him. I don’t want Him to be Lord over me.
Problem. He is Lord. We cannot stop that. We must allow Jesus to be the King of our lives.
Pray: Dear Jesus, forgive me for trying to be the king of my life and help me let you reign on the throne of my heart. Amen
Luke 2:36-38 (HCSB) 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of
Anna spent time seeking God. I mean she spent a lot of time seeking God. She did what most of us cannot. She devoted her life to it. She was serving God night and day. When she saw what was happening with Simeon and Jesus, she knew God was there. When God revealed Himself in the form of Jesus, she recognized Him. We need to be so close to God that when he reveals His plan and His ways we will recognize them immediately.
Here’s some questions to think about regarding Anna and us:
- How old do you think she was?
- How long are you willing to wait for God to answer your prayers?
- Are we ready for His answer when it comes?
- What would we sacrifice to serve Him? (Anna did not leave the temple complex for a long time!)
Pray: Dear God, help me to be aware of how you are working around me every day! Amen.
Luke 2:21-35 (HCSB)
Luke 2:28-35 (HCSB) 28 Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said: 29 Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, according to Your word. 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation. 31 You have prepared [it] in the presence of all peoples— 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel. 33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Sometimes it is hard to tell the truth. When someone asks how they look and they don’t exactly look very nice, it can be difficult to tell the truth. When the news you have to share is bad news, it could be hard to tell the truth.
But telling the truth is what we are called to do. Simeon told Mary the truth. Jesus came to bring joy. But His coming would bring great sorrow as well. Jesus would suffer and this would hurt Mary deeply.
Jesus is always on that border between joy and sorrow. God has come to save. JOY! Not all will believe. SORROW. We will learn great things from God! JOY! We must suffer trials in order to learn. SORROW.
Joy and sorrow. Intertwined in the life of Jesus and in the life of those who follow Him.
Pray: Dear God help me accept the sorrow and the joy. Amen.
Mary, One Who Knew
Luke 2:19 (HCSB) But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.
Another cool part of the Christmas story that often gets overlooked is this simple verse. Mary was watching what God was doing and “treasuring” and “meditating.” How much do you treasure and meditate on the things God is doing in your life or in the lives around you?
In the Psalms, God indicates that the righteous man will meditate on God’s Word…
Psalm 1:2 (HCSB) Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.
Most of us know how to meditate. We do it all the time – only we call it worry. That’s bad meditation - focused thoughts on the negative or the possible negative from a situation. Good meditation is the focused thoughts on God, His Word, and the wonderful things that He is doing in our lives.
Meditate on Jesus this Christmas.
Pray: Dear God, help me meditate on you today rather than worry about tomorrow. Amen.
Shepherds, the first to tell
Luke 2:15-20 (HCSB) 15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. 17 After seeing [them], they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.
Not only were the shepherds the first to hear about the good news, they were also the first to go and tell the good news! That makes them the first evangelists! What great examples they were. They listened to the message of God, obeyed, and then went forth giving God glory for whatr he had done and telling people what they had been told.
What would happen to the world around us if we were to do the same thing?
This Christmas, let’s promise to:
1) at least once, listen to the message of God.
2) At least once, obey Him.
3) At least once, tell someone the good news as we heard it.
Pray: Dear God, help me do it. Amen
Angelic Host, The First Worshippers of Jesus
Luke 2:13-14 (HCSB) 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!
The first worship service for Jesus was held out on a hillside. The angels worshipped the Savior. The Bible says they were “saying” not singing, but I bet there was some singing going on there somewhere! Anyway, they were certainly worshipping! And that is the point of today’s devotion.
We need to worship Christ (not only at Christmas time, but that is a good start!).
With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas we almost forget what it is about.
Let me use some dialog from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” to make the point.
Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about.
[shouting in desperation]
Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward the center of the stage]
Linus:Lights, please.
[a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus:"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: 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.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]
Linus:That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
Thanks, Linus, we all needed that.
Pray: Dear God, please don’t let me forget what Christmas is all about.
Shepherds, The First to Hear
Luke 2:8-15 (HCSB) 8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of
Jesus is born! Who does God tell first?
The kings and royalty? The priests and religious leaders?
Who?
Dirty, stinky, up all night, not fit for the temple, SHEPHERDS!
The shepherds are told about the birth of Jesus. After they experience this phenomenal expression of glorious magnitude, they say, “Let’s go see this thing!”
The shepherds understood that the excitement was not about the angels. The excitement was about the baby. The Messiah!
Sometimes we need to move our eyes away from the messenger and on to Christ.
Praise God that he chose some simple folks (like us) to share the good news!
Pray: Dear God help me to run to you when I hear the good news! Amen.
Sing: “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night”
or
Jesus, Our Savior is Born
Luke 2:1-7 (HCSB) 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the inn.
Jesus really is the reason for the season.
I heard that in another effort to be politically correct, one store had an advertisement that read “When you get up on holiday morning….” Oh, please! Before you know if we will see “holiday” nativity sets. These sets will also include a baby Mohammed, and perhaps a baby Bhudda too! We want everyone to have a merry holiday after all!
Christmas is about the Christ. Jesus came because we need a Savior. Jesus came for everyone! The ironic thing is that Jesus came for the very ones that are seeking to obliterate His name from the season.
We sin. We can’t do anything about it. We are sinners.
Jesus came. Jesus lived a life without sin. Jesus died on the cross for our sin.
If we repent (turn away from) of our sin, and accept the gift of salvation He provides, we not only get to live eternally with God and have a great time doing it, but we get to do that because our sins are forgiven and we get to have a more full life here and now!
Yea!
I’m in.
Pray: Dear God, thank you for the gift of salvation. Amen.
Sing: “Silent Night”
Inn Keeper, Serving the Savior
Luke 2:4-7 (HCSB) 4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the inn.
I believe the Inn Keeper is the most misunderstood character of the Christmas story. First of all, there is no Inn Keeper in the Christmas story. Really. Read the passage again. NO Inn Keeper. There is simply a statement that there was “no room for them at the inn.” Most of the stories we hear about the Inn Keeper is that he was a mean bully who harshly turned Mary and Joseph away, and reluctantly let them stay in the stable.
I like to think differently. Since we are making up a character, I figure, let’s think the best of this fictional guy. I say, the Inn Keeper made room for Jesus! There was not room inside, so he worked it out. He took the time to find a place for Mary to have her baby.
Now the hard question. Do we make room for Jesus in our lives? Sometimes our lives are full and we turn Him away. Sometimes we accommodate Him. We make room. Sometimes we barely accommodate Him. Certainly, we should welcome Him with open arms. We should make room for him in the inn, not in the barn out back!
Pray: Dear God, help me to give Jesus the best room in my life. Amen.
Sing: “Away in a Manger”
Caesar Augustus, Emperor of Rome
Luke 2:1 (HCSB) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered.
Caesar Augustus: Emperor who ruled the Roman Empire 27 b.c.–a.d. 14; also known as Octavian, he established the peaceful era known as the Pax Romana; Caesar was a title of Roman emperors.
Who is in charge? Isn’t that often the question we ask?
Jesus never met him, He never knew Jesus, that we are aware, and yet he would play a part in history that is as crucial as the last piece of the border of the puzzle on the dining room table. Caesar Augustus provided the reason for a woman from Nazareth to have a baby in Bethlehem. A census. A tax. Who would have believed anything good could come from taxes!
Who is in charge? God.
God, in his infinite wisdom ordains the rulers and they cannot make ,a move without permission from the almighty. Sometimes God allows things to take their course, sometimes he intervenes. But we know who is really in charge!
John the Baptist, Last of the Prophets
John 1:6-8; 19-27
John 1:6-8 (HCSB) 6 There was a man named John who was sent from God. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light.
The story of the birth of John the Baptist would really be a bigger story to tell if it were not for the fact that it is so closely interwoven with genuinely the greatest story of a birth ever. John would probably approve because He knew that he was to decrease and the Messiah was to increase. However, John is the last of the prophets. He is the last one who predicts the coming of the Messiah, only to have the Messiah walk up to him to be baptized. I am sure that (if they were not in heaven where they could not sin) Isaiah and the other guys would be insanely jealous. Imagine! The prophet speaks and instantly his prophesy comes true!
We know enough about the story to know that not everyone received the truth, but thank God for a prophet born six months before Jesus’ who would prepare the way.
How can we prepare the way in the hearts of our friends and neighbors for Jesus?
Pray: Dear Jesus, help me to prepare people to hear about and receive you. Amen.
Sing: “Emmanuel”
Joseph, Step-father of Jesus
Matthew 1:16-25 (HCSB)
19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly… 24 When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her
Joseph is the strong silent type. We don’t know a lot about Joseph. However, if we look close, we will discover some great nuggets of gold about this unsung hero of the Christmas story.
· Joseph was a righteous man.
· He was sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
· He was obedient to God.
· He was faithful.
Joseph was a protector. Joseph was the protector of Mary, and also Jesus. Later he protected Jesus by fleeing to Egypt. I think there is some sort of innate desire of every man to protect his family. Whether that is the case or not, Joseph certainly chose to be the protector. God used Joseph to protect Mary and Jesus from harm and to prepare the way for Jesus to grow up “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people. (Luke 2:52)
How can you be obedient to God in order to pave the way for someone to know Jesus? Can you be the protector of someone by showing them the way to Jesus?
Pray: Dear God, thank you for Joseph and his willingness to follow your plan and protect Jesus. Amen.
Sing: “Good Christian Men Rejoice”
Luke 1:46-55 (HCSB) 46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, 47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, 48 because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His slave. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy. 50 His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him. 51 He has done a mighty deed with His arm; He has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; 52 He has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. 53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, mindful of His mercy, 55 just as He spoke to our ancestors, to Abraham and his descendants forever.
Mary is blessed! She had the privilege of bringing our Lord into the world. Mary recognizes the magnitude of what she is about to do, but she sees her position also, as a sinner in need of a Savior. She rejoices in her Savior! Mary exalts the Lord for fulfilling his promises.
We, too need to rejoice in the Savior that God has brought us. Mary could have done a lot of things at this point in her life. She could have whined. She could have complained. She could have worried about all the troubles she was going to endure, but instead, she rejoiced.
Ecclesiastes 3:4 (HCSB) a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance;
Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time and season for everything. Mary knew that this was a time to rejoice!
Let’s spread joy this Christmas. Our Savior is born!
Pray: Lord, help me have an attitude of joy as I go about this Christmas season. Amen.
Luke 1:19-20; Luke 1:26-38
Luke 1:19 (HCSB) The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.
Luke 1:26-28 (HCSB) 26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And [the angel] came to her and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”
Angels are very popular in our culture. Some people are even prone to worshipping them. Angels are as Billy Graham called them “God’s secret agents.” Angels do the will of the One who sends them, and bring the glory back to him. We could learn a lot from angels. The angel Gabriel and the angels we meet later in the Christmas story with the Shepherds are apparently a sight to behold. (“When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and overcome with fear.” Luke 1:12, “Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Luke 2:9)
The Shepherds and Zechariah seemed afraid of the angel. Mary did not. However, Mary and Zechariah questioned the angel (Luke 1:18, 34) but the shepherds did not (Luke 2:15).
All of this, and we sometimes wonder why God does not just send us an angel to give us instructions. Well, God did send us a message, it’s called the Bible and it gives us plenty of instructions for life. He also sent us Jesus, the one who came to save us from our sins.
Perhaps he is looking for us to share this message with those we know. We are not half as scary as an angel.
Prayer: God help me be an angel to someone and announce the good news of great joy that the savior is born! Amen.
Luke 1:39-45
Luke 1:43 (HCSB) How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Elizabeth recognized (by the Holy Spirit who fills her) that Mary’s baby is the Christ! It was (and is among Jewish women today) the desire of every Jewess to be the mother of the Messiah. Elizabeth knew that her pregnancy was of God, but she also discovered the glorious nature of her cousin Mary’s child. She, unlike Zechariah, immediately responded in faith.
One of the roles that Elizabeth had was a confidant – a mentor - for Mary. Mary had a very unique story and not everyone could relate. Elizabeth could relate to Mary. The child Elizabeth carried had its own miraculous angelic story. God used Elizabeth to confirm what Mary already knew.
Do you have someone in your life that is an encourager? A mentor?
If not, find a person God wants you to connect with. Build godly relationships that will confirm in you God’s plans for you!
Pray: God, help me to find others who can help me grow closer to You. Amen.
Luke 1:5-25
Luke 1:18-20 (HCSB) 18 “How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. 20 Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
We like to pick on people in the Bible when they do silly things. We look with hindsight at Zechariah and we think that he should have known better. He should have realized that an angel appearing to Him would know if he was going to have a baby or not. We think those things, then we turn around and do not believe God for the simplest things in our own lives. I’m just glad that every time I doubt God he doesn’t come in and close my mouth for nine months!
What has God assured you, that you have a hard time believing?
How can you better walk in faith?
Pray: “Dear God, I know you have assured us many things in your Word. Help us to believe and receive from you what you want us to have. Amen.”
Micah
Micah 5:2 (HCSB) Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity.
The Messiah will come from Bethlehem. Bethlehem, the smallest, will bring forth the Savior. Isn’t it good to know that in God’s economy the very small can be very big. Many times we may not see the value in the small things that we do for the kingdom, but God does.
Think over this last year and think about the things you have done to serve God’s kingdom. Don’t just think big, but think small as well.
Perhaps there are things you haven’t even thought - such as a smile to someone who had a bad day, or a verbal witness to someone who you thought was not listening.
God is using you for His glory like he used Bethlehem.
Pray: “Thank you God for using us, though our efforts may appear small, for You Glory! Amen.”
Sing “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem”
Jeremiah
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (HCSB) 5 “The days are coming”—[this is] the Lord’s declaration—“when I will raise up a righteous Branch of David. He will reign wisely as king and administer justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. This is what He will be named: The Lord Is Our Righteousness.
Jeremiah predicted that Jesus would come as the “righteous branch of David” and that when He came, “Judah will be saved.” Isn’t it good to know that Jesus came to be our righteousness! We struggle with sin from day to day and He promises to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The people of God were waiting for the descendant of David who would take the throne. This “branch of David” was seen as the conqueror, not the suffering servant. In order for Jesus to fulfil this prophesy, he not only had to come and die for our sins, thus becoming “our righteousness”, but he also has to come again, taking His rightful place as the reigning King of Glory!
Praise God today for the righteousness we have in Christ!
Sing “O Come, o come, Emmanuel”
or
Amy Grant Christmas Hymn Lyrics
Praise to God whose love was shown
Who sent his son to earth
Jesus left his rightful throne
Became a man by birth
The virgin's baby son
All creation praised him
God incarnate come
Come to Bethlehem
Still a higher call had he
Deliverance from our sins
Come to set all people free
From satan's hold within
For by the sin of man we fell
By the Son of God
He crushed the power of hell
Death we fear no more
Now we stand with strength, with power
The sons of God on earth
Faithful to the final hour
Christ's righteousness our worth
And now all praise is given
For the babe, the son
The savior king is risen
Christ is lord indeed
For the babe, the son
The savior king is risen
Christ is lord indeed
Isaiah, The Prophet
Isaiah 7:14 (HCSB) Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6 (HCSB) For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah prophesied about Jesus. Hundreds of years before Christ was born, Isaiah promised that a child would be born from a virgin.
He also promised he would be called:
For further study, read all of Isaiah 9 to get the full picture of the great and glorious salvation that came at Christmas!
