Christmas # 2 God's Christmas Plans in Isaiah

God’s plan for the salvation of mankind started before the foundation of the world, but God gradually over time revealed this plan to mankind until the “fullness of time was come”  (Gal. 4:4).

Eve learned of a promised “Seed” (Gen. 3).  Abraham learned of being a “blessing” to all mankind (Gen. 12).  David learned of an eternal kingdom (I Sam. 7:13).

As time went on God continued to reveal more specifics about this “Seed”.  Through the prophet Isaiah we were told in Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV), “¹⁴Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”  This virgin would give birth to the Son of God.  Even in His name Immanuel which is interpreted for us in Mattthew 1:23 God reveals more.  The meaning of Immanuel is “God with us”.   God would indeed dwell with man.

Further prophecy in Isaiah gives us more specifics.  Isaiah 9:6–7 (NKJV) ⁶For 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. ⁷Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

 

This Son who would be a ruler would be a wonderful counselor.  It is Jesus who even as a twelve year old boy astounded the Jewish Rabbis with His wisdom in Luke 2:46-47.  Bill Crowder writes, “What is the evidence that Jesus Christ is the Wonderful Counselor?  We see it fleshed out in a Person.  We read of, reflect on, and appeal for help from the One ‘who became for us wisdom from God.’ (I Cor. 1:30”

As Christ continued to minister publicly the question was asked, “Where did this man get this wisdom?” (Mt. 13:54) and Paul wrote in Col 2:3, that in Him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

This “Wonderful Counselor” is also the “Mighty God”.  As God, He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.  As one who is Mighty, there is no other whose might can be comparable to His.  But this Son, Jesus, would not only have the power of God, but He would be the Power of God!

For each individual today that recognizes their failure to stand up and maintain God’s holy standards of righteousness, John gives us this promise, “But as many as received Him to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe on His name.”  (Jn. 1:12)

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/churchoflittleton