To Us A Child Is Born

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After the worship service, a few families lingered while enjoying each other’s company. Resting on the floor, in the center of the scene, was a newborn tucked neatly inside of her car seat carrier. One little hand peeked out from the blanket. Her fingers so tiny, yet perfect. Spying the baby, a little girl came toddling over in her sparkly Christmas dress. She stopped to admire the one nestled inside and crouched down on her knees. As she leaned in to watch the sleeping baby, her chubby little hand gently touched the baby’s fingers. Her eyes were glued to this precious little bundle. Feeling the softness of the blanket, her little fingers started patting the one that was held inside.

What a treasure, and what a moment to treasure. Before the moment passed, I just had to interrupt my husband’s conversation  - “You have to see this!” Such a sweet moment of awe and wonder. Cozied up in a blanket and twirling about in sparkles were two very precious little girls. Two girls born into a world of love and laughter, as well as pain and heartache. Two little lives that face an unpredictable future, but were born into a world of hope - with God’s purpose and plan.

At the dawn of Christ’s birth and in the reality that the prophet’s words had been fulfilled, our world has never been the same. There has been a new hope, a new peace and a new joy!  From Old Testament days to Jesus’ birth, everything changed. From that point on, all who have been brought into this world have been impacted dramatically by that amazing miracle. God incarnate. The God man, Jesus Christ. Fully God. Fully man. An amazing story of redemption and grace – the things of which the prophets had proclaimed, but only hoped for. It is our reality!

We were born into a world significantly influenced by the mark of the Savior. He is the “Wonderful Counselor” – the One that holds all wisdom and understanding from the Father. “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.” (Psalm 16:7) The God of the universe is just waiting to guide our steps and will give us sound instruction – if we open our ears to hear his voice. We have a counselor - and He's only a prayer away!

We were born into a world significantly influenced by the mark of the Savior. He is Emmanuel, God with us. The “Almighty God” and “Everlasting Father.” We have nothing to fear. He is a God whose strength has no bounds. He alone has the power to save, and we can have confidence in the fact that He is with us now and will be with us through all eternity – if we trust Him as our Lord. We can carry the hope and confidence of someday standing in His presence singing "’Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.’” (Revelation 19:6)

We were born into a world significantly influenced by the mark of the Savior. A world that no longer waits for its King. It has a reigning “Prince of Peace!” He is the author of peace. He is our peace – giving strength to our hearts and perseverance to our hope in Him. While the world looks for the ultimate peace, we can have peace in the presence and reign of Christ as King of our lives each and every day! We don’t have to wait for world peace to give us security. Our security is found in the One who is peace - and in a world that is influenced by the fulfillment of the prophecies of old.

“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end…The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7

The “zeal of the Lord” will accomplish this. What a gift - sent to us so many years ago. What a blessing it is to marvel and wonder at the gift of the babe - the Savior, who is Christ the Lord! What a priceless gift to live in the presence and light of His love!

Merry Christmas!


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