“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God With Us)” (Isaiah 7:14).
All over, people are getting ready for Christmas: the parcel delivery folks, homemakers busy baking goodies, stores open longer hours for special sales, churches practicing their cantatas and busy decorating their facilities, employees looking forward to a few extra days off – – one can tell that it’s getting close to Christmas.
I am not aware if you know this, but for literally thousands of years people have anticipated Christmas. Really? Seriously! You mean to say that for hundreds of years celebrations were taking place with Christmas trees, tinsel, baked goods, etc., etc.? No, that is not what they were anticipating.
Did you notice that the word Christmas contains the name of the One who is celebrated – – CHRIST! And the specific reference has to do with His birth. Have you listened carefully to the carols and songs being sung and played in stores, malls, on street corners, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.? Let me remind you: “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come;” “Silent Night, Holy Night;” “Away in a Manger;” “O Little Town of Bethlehem;” and others. They all focus on the incarnation of Jesus Christ! (God taking on human form):
– – Many years before Christ, Agur spoke of God having a Son. Who has ascended into heaven, or descended?Who has gathered the wind in His fists?Who has bound the waters in a garment?Who has established all the ends of the earth?What is His name, and what is His Son’s name,If you know? (Proverbs 30:4)
– – About 2,700 years ago, Micah recorded His exact birthplace. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel,Whose goings forth are from of old,From everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)
– – Around the same time, the prophet Isaiah revealed not only His names, 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), but also His purpose for coming (Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12)!
– – And hundreds of other passages in the Bible point to Jesus, THE Messiah!
The chorus of O Come, All Ye Faithful has a fitting application for our anticipation of Christmas: “O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!”
HE is what this universe and eternity are all about! CHRISTMAS IS CHRIST!
Teacher - Feature 