A Christmas Question Series

A Christmas Question

Our focal text for today is found in the book of Isaiah chapter nine. It is only a portion of the verse – the first part – it reads:

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given.” Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

(I have an entire series on the later portion of this verse which deals with four titles of Jesus. The series is simply called Isaiah 9:6)

The sentence is a double one – it makes two distinct statements. “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.”

Jesus Christ was a Child born as a human being. He was flesh and blood – just as you and I are flesh and blood. His mother went through the same process of giving birth just like your and my mother did when we were born. Notice that the verse says He was “born” – there was no escaping His physical birth. He was born human – although begotten of the Holy Spirit – although born of a virgin – He was born as a human being. The Bible tells: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NKJV) Jesus was totally human.

But there is another side of the story. Jesus Christ is God’s Son and has been before time began. He is eternal – He is not born. He is “given” to us – because He was co-existent with the Father from before the beginning. He was there when the worlds were made. In fact He formed the worlds – for Colossians tells us:

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:15-17 (NKJV)

Is it any wonder that our text says: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given.” Both statements are true. It is one of the divine mysteries – which no man can totally fathom – yet it is a fact. C.H. Spurgeon – a famous preacher from the 1800’s has said: “But as to any explanation of it, no man should venture thereon, for it remains among the deep things of God—one of those solemn mysteries,

indeed, into which the angels dare not look, nor do they desire to pry into it—a mystery which we must not attempt to fathom, for it is utterly beyond the grasp of any finite being.”

If we could understand God totally – He would not be God. If we could grasp Him – and explain all aspects of Him – He would not be infinite. God by His very nature – is more than we can comprehend. Who can fully understand:

“For God so loved the world, that He sent His only begotten Son into the world.”

He was before the beginning of time – yet He was born in this world. He was sent – He was given – that is why the scripture says:

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given.” Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

This morning – my principal interest is to look at two words found twice in this passage. The two words are: “Unto us”. Go ahead and circle those two words.

Let me ask A Christmas Question this morning:

I. If a child is born “unto us” – if a son is given “unto us” – what does it MATTER?

Let me say in the first place – it is a historical fact that Jesus was born. It is true that unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. Let there be no doubt in your mind.

We all know the Christmas story – that the Son of God became man – that He was born in Bethlehem – that He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and was laid in a manger. These are the facts that that we know about Jesus. But the question is this: Is this Child born to US? Is He given to US? Have you a personal interest in the Child that was born in Bethlehem? Do you know Him as our Savior? Has He has brought glad tidings to you? Do you understand the good news that He proclaimed? Does He belong to you? Do you belong to Him? Can you truly say:

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given.” Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)