4 Advent – Friday 12/25

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, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

– Isaiah 9:6

This is the prophecy – the fulfillment of which – Christendom celebrates today. Joseph had been told by God, through an angel, that Mary, his espoused wife, was that virgin of whom Isaiah had spoken (7:14), and in obedience to the command of God, he had taken her unto himself (Matthew 1:18-24). But that was in Nazareth of Galilee, and, according to the prophecy of Micah (5:1), Christ was to be born in Bethlehem of Judea. And so it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be “taxed”—enrolled in a kind of census. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went, with Mary, his espoused wife, to Bethlehem, the city of David, because he was of the house and lineage of David. And while they were there, the days were accomplished that Mary should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:1-7). Christians! Unto us this Child is born, unto us this Son is given – to be our Redeemer. A poor Babe He lay there in the manger, but the government of heaven and earth was upon His shoulders. Was not that Wonderful? This Child Himself is the Wonderful Lord God. He is God and He is man; and His conception and birth were supernatural. This Child is the Counselor who counsels and helps us lost and condemned sinners when we are utterly at a loss for counsel and help. He is the mighty God who bruises the devil’s head and saves us. He is the everlasting Father—one God with the Father and the Holy Ghost. He is the Prince of Peace; for His subjects have peace of heart and conscience, until the rivers of eternal peace shall refresh them forevermore. O you Christians, embrace this Child in true faith!

 

PRAYER. – Lord God, Heavenly Father, I give thanks to Thee for Thy great mercy and kindness in having Thine Only-Begotten Son become flesh in order to save us from sin and eternal death. I pray Thee, enlighten my heart by Thy Holy Spirit, that I may remain thankful for such grace, and comfort myself with the same in every tribulation and temptation, and so be eternally saved through faith Him, my Savior. Amen.

 

Oh, wondrous joy That God most high

Should take our flesh and thus our race should honor!

A virgin mild Hath borne this Child;

Such grace and glory God hath put upon her.

 

Sin brought us grief, But Christ relief,

When down to earth He came for our salvation.

Since God with us Is dwelling thus,

Who dares to speak the Christian’s condemnation?

Hymn 107. 2. 3.

 

Scripture Readings:

Titus 2:11-14

Isaiah 9:2-7

Luke 2:1-14

Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

 

Isaiah 9:2-7

2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and asmen rejoice when they divide the spoil.

4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning andfuel of fire.

6 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.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

 

Luke 2:1-14

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 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.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.