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. Isaiah 9:6 KJV
The Inspiration:
The Christmas season reminds us of the greatest gift that was given. The gift is not tied to bank account balances, circle of influence, political or family connections or any of the other popular theories of the world. The world has built a commercial process around the season, yet it does not have a personal encounter with the reason for the season. However, as the verse above says, though the gift is given to all of US, the benefits are for those who have identified and responded to that gift of God, and made him personal to themselves. The verse tells me who the gift is, what His assignment and purpose is, and how I can identify and recognize His work in and around me. The gift is given as a child, one of us and like us, so He could identify with us, walk in our shoes and pay the price in His perfect human body for the weakness of sin.
The Expectation:
The gift was not an afterthought, but laid out by God since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Isaiah himself spoke of this gift several centuries before the actual birth of this child. It was God's plan all along to give of Himself to us, so that the price for sin could be fully paid off, once and for all, by the only one not subject to the power, scope and influence of sin. He was given freely to us, with God holding nothing back. If God could give Himself totally like this for something as grevious as sin, what else would God not give? If He could offer such an amazing gift for something so grevious, imagine the scope, depth and reach of the love He has for us. The gift and His attributes are mentioned here, so I know who and what I am getting. He is and owns the government; He is the authority.
The Conclusion:
His name is Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Note the singular NAME, not plural. A lot of identities, but the same God. Multiple influences, but one God. All these identities have a singular purpose, and it is to point us to the One who was sent to save us from sin and guarantee us a place in heaven with God. He is the One who tasted death for us, so we don't have to taste it anymore. He is the One who has a home for us and invites us to come to Him so we can enjoy these benefits. There is a response expected from us, and it has to be the right one if we are to end up in the right place. God has introduced himself to us, and he is patient with us, so we can come to Him of our own freewill and a heart that loves Him. What is your response? God's time of favour is here.
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