Christmas Day
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 (Isaiah 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 (5:2), 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 has bruised 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, continue to 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, working through Thy Word, 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 in 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, st. 2 and 3; TLH)