The word Advent means “Arrival” and it refers to the arrival of Jesus Christ into the world.
All Christians look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth during this season of the year.
Why was Jesus’ birth so important?
The reason is because slightly over 2,000 years ago, God stooped down from Heaven and
became a human being: Jesus Christ.
As the Bible says,
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.[1]” -John 1:14, NIV
Think of it: God became a man! He did it because He loves us—and that’s what we should celebrate as Christmas approaches.
Take time between now and Christmas to reflect on this great truth.
This series of short messages is intended to be a source for reflection and meditation.
May the Lord bless you abundantly and fill your heart with joy and hope as you prepare to celebrate the coming of the Christ child.
Blessings,
Pastor Rip
[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Jn 1:14). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
The Message and Meaning of Christmas
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace. [1]
(Isaiah 9:6)
When we read the names of our Lord found in Isaiah 9:6 they inspire wonder and amazement.
Theses awe-inspiring names of our Lord encourage us, thrill us, and fill us with hope—
not only during this Christmas season but everyday of every year as we grow in our
relationship with the Son of God who loves us and gave Himself for us.
In this Scripture we find the message and meaning of Christmas.
Isaiah declares Jesus’ humanity (“a child is born”) and His Deity (“a Son is given”).
The Prophet is very careful to point out the dual nature of the Messiah, Jesus Christ;
He is both God and man.
This is the Miracle of the Manger!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
“As weak as a baby” is a common expression but it couldn’t apply to the Baby Jesus in the manger.
Even While it was true that in His humanity He was as weak as any other baby, yet, He was the center of power as far as heaven was concerned.
This child, that was born of a virgin, was the unique, Divine Son of God who came to save us from our sins.
Jesus, himself, would, later, explain the meaning and significance of His own birth;
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him[2].” – John 3:16-17
Wonderful Counselor,
You and I can’t find our own way out of sin. We don’t have the wisdom.
We needed a Wonderful Counselor, someone who could give us the wisdom we needed to truly
repent.
We need a Wonderful Counselor to give us wisdom daily for us to live life wisely.
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Is 9:6). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Jn 3:16–17). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.