A Child Is Born – Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 2:6-7

 

 

Introduction - This is the day upon which we celebrate the birth of the Warrior-King. This is the day we remember that our Redeemer and Deliverer, our Judge and our Savior, was born. He did not come here aspiring to set up His kingdom upon the earth. He came to establish His kingdom upon the earth and His government, we are told, would never cease in its increase. Think of it this way: This is the birthday of your greatest Hero. This is the day that a cornerstone for a new humanity, even a new heaven and earth, was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

 

 

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder…” – God became a man and this is the mystery of godliness (1 Tim 3:16) as well as the stumbling stone for unbelieving Israel. Because He is God and because He came to redeem and to reign, He is the uncontested Lord of lords. All authorities are required to recognize their only legitimacy as a delegated authority from this Child.

 

“And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace….” - His names/titles are Wonderful (that is, incomprehensible), Counselor (that is, He is His own source of all Wisdom), and Mighty God (that is, while becoming fully man He never lost His full divinity. He is the Everlasting Father – He is the second Adam, the Father of all who will be (re)born into this new race. And He is the Prince of Peace – there is no peace with God, nor with men, nor ultimately even with oneself, outside of the reconciliation given by this Child.

 

“Of 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.” – The gospel is an invitation, but it is only a temporary invitation. In the end, it is a declaration – God has come in Jesus Christ and Christmas is the celebration of the takeover of the world, the establishment of the new kingdom. We are not celebrating a great offer. We are celebrating a great accomplishment. David’s throne is occupied by a Man and there will be a gradual increase of peace, justice, and godliness incarnated upon this earth. And that is what He is doing through us.

 

 

Conclusions – abound…

Room for Jesus? - There was no room for them in the inn. There is an obvious question for each listener and that is this: Do you have room for Jesus? This is not a sentimental question. What is being asked of you? This Baby is Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. He is not tame and sweet and cozy; He is the Warrior-King. But He brings peace and He is the only source of peace – peace that will pass all understanding. Only eyes of faith can see this – God grant you such faith.

 

Room for Joseph and Mary? - There was no room for them in the inn. Therefore, as followers of Christ, you must realize that there will be no room for you in the world of polite society. There will be no room for you in the world of fine opinions. There will be no room for you in a world laying its treasure up where moth and rust destroys. You will be different; you will seem odd. You will even be threatening, to loved ones, to authorities, to anyone who wants to make Christmas go away or just be a sentimental day. There was no room for Joseph and Mary, and there will be no room for you as well. Only eyes of faith can see this and remain steadfast to the end – God grant us such faith.

 

Faith in God Who Will Transform the World - Behold the Zeal of the Lord! He has come in His Son. He has come in all humility to reach down to the lowest of the low – the greatest of sinners – even you and me. He will establish this new humanity – and in the new Adam you are the body of Christ – the body of this little Child. This body is His kingdom, heirs of the world, and like a small lump of leaven, the work is slowly spreading – the loaf will be changed. Now you need to go and you need to celebrate – for angels are rejoicing and you must join in this celebration. Today is a Feast Day. Tomorrow we take over the world. Only eyes of faith can see this – God grant us such faith.

 

 

 

 

Dave Hatcher – December 25^th, 2005