Isaiah 9:6 Christmas: Mighty God Series

ISAIAH 9:6 CHRISTMAS: MIGHTY GOD

ISAIAH 9:6

#isaiah96christmas

INTRODUCTION… Cool Gifts for Christmas 2021, thegrommet.com

Christmas, more than any other time of year, is a season of giving gifts. It is part of what we do and what makes this time of year special. I am a full-service pastor so we are going to begin today in this ‘season of giving’ with some cool gift suggestions to get you warmed up to giving gifts and give you some good ideas. [all from thegrommet.com]

#1 Fire Extinguisher Ball. The Elide Fire Extinguishing Ball is easy to use and provides permanent protection as it self-activates in the presence of a flame without human intervention. Just think of it as a grenade in reverse — when you throw the ball into the flames of a fire, it creates an explosion that actually puts it out.

#2 Pack of Dogs Playing Cards. These playing cards are infused with charm and humor courtesy of original illustrations depicting adorable dogs. A story unfolds through each ace through 10 suit telling an engaging, pup-centric story, while the face cards star dogs dressed up as a pirate, a prima ballerina, and other colorful characters.

#3 Curved Corn Hole Set. Curved design brings a new dimension to the ever-growing sport of corn hole and elevates the excitement of play.

#4 Butter Mill Butter Dispenser. Twist and spread a thin ribbon of butter, margarine, or cream cheese. Stores in the fridge or stays on counter. Keeps your butter fresh for longer. Tablespoon gradiations.

THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTMAS

Gift giving is definitely part of Christmas, but the reason that we celebrate and give gifts is because of the birth of Jesus. We who believe in Jesus make sure each year that we observe and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus because He is the greatest gift that the world has ever received! Jesus is worthy of being celebrated and we celebrate everything about Jesus… even His birth!

We celebrate the birth of Jesus because…

… the birth of Jesus is a supernatural event where God becomes flesh and dwells with us

… the birth of Jesus looks forward to all the magnificent miracles He would do

… the birth of Jesus looks forward to all that He would teach us and His life example

… the birth of Jesus looks forward to His meaningful death

READ MATTHEW 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with Child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for That which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a Son. And he called His Name Jesus.

Jesus is so important and so grand that even before His birth He had a nickname! His nickname in this passage from Matthew was “Immanuel” which is a significant name which means “God with us.” That nickname came from an Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah about the coming of the Christ. Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is the Christ which means He is the plan for salvation that people were waiting on.

ISAIAH 9:6

I find it very interesting that Isaiah was an Old Testament prophet who gave this Christ to be born several nicknames all throughout his writings. Isaiah prophesied and predicted Jesus most notably in 11 chapters in the book that bears his name. I believe these Names of Jesus are impactful and meaningful for our lives. It is going to be an Isaiah 9:6 Christmas!

CONGREGATION READ TOGETHER … READ ISAIAH 9:6 (ESV)

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The second nickname that the prophet Isaiah gives Jesus Christ in Isaiah 9:6 is “Mighty God.” Last week we looked at “Wonderful Counselor” and we will get to the other names in coming weeks as we approach Christmas, but today we focus on “Mighty God.”