a child is born, a son is given

Christmas is coming. It's that special time of year in Kansas City when Santa and Frosty are part of a nativity scene. While that is funny, it seems as if it is the baby Jesus part of the nativity scene that seems to be out of place in this world.

Probably because it is. Our human minds cannot comprehend the full implication of the God of all creation entering His creation in total humility. Neither can they comprehend the weight of the sacrifice on our behalf. Here's one of my favorite scriptures (also heard in a little ditty called Handel's Messiah).

Isaiah 9:6 (Today's New International Version (TNIV)
© Copyright 2001, 2005 by International Bible Society)

6 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.

You see, yeah that's right, a baby was born to us--fully human--one of us. He was born. It's this birth that we celebrate every Christmas. It's this baby that we praise. But, oh the cost. Not only was a child born, but a son was given. This is NOT the gift of a son into the world. Rather, it is the giving up--total sacrifice--of a son by a loving father. By sacrificing His son, God the Father proved (and proves today) his love for us.

A child is born (Jesus is fully human), a son is given (Jesus is fully God)--by my submitting to His rule over me, He is my Wonderful Counselor, my Mighty God, my Everlasting Father, my Prince of Peace.

Will you also place the government of your life on His shoulders and let Him be all of those things for you? The Messiah lives--that's enough reason to go all-out celebrating Christmas.