“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Unlike any other baby, the one born that night in Bethlehem was unique in all of history. He was not created by a human father and mother. He had a heavenly pre-existence (John 1:1-3, 14). He is God, the Son—Creator of the universe (Philippians 2:5-11. In the birth of Jesus, the eternal, all-powerful and all-knowing Creator came to earth in the flesh.
Why would God do such a thing? Why would he come as a baby, instead of appearing in power and majesty? Why make himself a true man and live among us, when he knew full well how terribly he would be treated? It was LOVE!
During these weeks, we have written out our Christmas lists and checked them twice, went out in search of the right presents to buy our loved ones and friends, and made sure that these gifts were wrapped, tagged, hidden, and placed carefully under the tree. We have given much thought to these expressions of love and messages of joy.
In our giving, we are responding to the greatest gift of all that God has given us, the Christ Child of Bethlehem, our Lord and Savior. We know that in our giving at Christmas, we have received and continue to receive so much more in return. The best gift we can share with others and to one another this Christmas is God’s gift of peace in Christ. Peace is something we all need. It is one of the many gifts God sent to all humankind in the birth of Christ two thousand years ago. When Christ was born, the light of God’s shalom spread from that humble manger in Bethlehem to shine in the lives of all people and dispel the darkness.
Oh, come let us adore Him. . . . (more…)