For 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, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Today the entire universe is focusing on the birth of a child that occurred some 2010 years ago, to a family that can best be classified as lowly. To many it is a time to celebrate the birth of that child, to another a time to show love through giving in demonstration of the gift of that baby, to yet another it is a tradition – a period to have fun and make merry. Joseph, ‘a just man’ and a carpenter was with the betrothed wife, Mary when this child was born and Mary ‘wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn’ when she fell into labour (Luke 2:7b-NKJV). But what is so special in the birth of this child that many nations have to observe a public holiday to mark the day or in the life of this Man that He is a reference for our calendar. He was not of noble parenthood but yet a Prince, disgraced and executed on the cross yet alive and worshipped.
The birth of Jesus Christ is a fulfilment of prophecies, especially that of Isaiah, some 700 years earlier that a Child will be given to mankind, who is called “…Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. Apostle John in John 1:1-14 brought out more revelations about this Child – He was from the very beginning with God and was God. “Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him.” (John 1:3 – GNT). His entry into this earth in a season like this brought light and the angel proclaimed this when with a multitude of the heavenly host they appeared to the Shepherds in the field praising God and saying: “ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:13-14).
As we focus on this Christmas, we need to have the understanding that Jesus was not like any other person. He is the only person that has come from heaven to this earth, the only person that has experienced both places. He is God who humbled Himself to live with His creation as a servant. He has revealed to mankind the true nature of God; His love and His desire for us to also love. He has brought us peace and shown us the way that will lead us to joy on this earth and eternal bliss with God the Father.
Having been privileged to celebrate many Christmas days and hear the nativity of Jesus Christ have you internalized the essence of Christmas or you are still at the level of ceremonies? On Christmas day God came into the world as flesh and blood and throughout His life Jesus taught us the essence of life, the values we should attach to it and gave us a hint into the place we will eventually spend eternity. He gave up is life that we may be reconciled with God and become Heirs to His kingdom.
Have a week blessed with the joy of knowing the Lord of Christmas
Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
- Igein Isemede.