A child is born with a Christmas message.
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, December 14, 2023
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6.
INTRO
A child is born with a Christmas message, which means that the child brings a message of hope, love, and joy to the world. This message reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas and encourages us to spread kindness and generosity to others.
I desire to guide you through the message that shall immerse you in jubilation, a message to be etched in your memory on this sacred day of Christmas while acknowledging that it is not scripturally stated that Jesus was born on this particular date. Colossians 2:6: "So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths."
This verse from the Colossians reminds us that the date of Jesus' birth is not as important as the significance of his coming into the world. It is a reminder to focus on Christmas's message of love, peace, and salvation rather than getting caught up in debates about specific dates or traditions. We are gathered here to worship Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
As we come together to celebrate Christmas, let us remember that the true essence of this holiday lies in the profound impact Jesus has had on our lives. It is a time to reflect on his teachings and strive to embody the love and compassion he showed to others. Let us unite in gratitude for the gift of salvation and spread joy and kindness to those around us, just as Jesus did during his time on Earth.
1. JESUS IS THE MIGHTY GOD.
As the prophet Isaiah prophecies about His coming on earth, we need to understand that He is the image of an invisible God. (Colossians 1:15) and that in Him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form. (Colossians 2:9)
We are frequently confronted with the assertion that the Bible does not contain any scriptural evidence indicating that Jesus is God. However, it is important to note that numerous verses present a different perspective. These verses indicate that Isaiah refers to Him as a wonderful counsellor, the mightiest God, the everlasting Father, and the prince of peace, despite what some may believe.
As a Mighty God, he deserves to be worshipped and revered, for He holds the power and authority of the entire universe. Jesus, as the embodiment of God, came to Earth to reveal His love and sacrifice for humanity, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
We have Thomas, who ultimately had to confess in light of the events surrounding the uncertainty he experienced when Jesus triumphantly resurrected on the third day. When the other disciples relayed to him that we had indeed witnessed His presence, Thomas, in his disbelief, declined to accept their words. However, when Jesus once again manifested Himself before the disciples, Thomas's faith was ignited, leading him to acknowledge Jesus as "my Lord and my God!" for the very first time. (John 20:27-29) And Jesus said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands; and do not disbelieve, but believe." Jesus was compassionate towards Thomas's doubts and provided him with the evidence he needed to strengthen his faith. This encounter serves as a reminder that even those who struggle with doubt can find reassurance and belief in the presence of Jesus.
2. JESUS IS WONDERFUL AND A PRINCE OF PEACE.
In John 14:27, Jesus assures his disciples by saying, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, nor let them be afraid." This statement further emphasises Jesus' role as a source of peace and comfort for those who believe in him.
However, we need to understand that Jesus is the prince of peace; Isaiah is calling him the Messiah. The Messiah means the anointed one, the chosen one who brings salvation and deliverance. By referring to Jesus as the prince of peace, Isaiah acknowledges his role as the ultimate source of peace and harmony in the world. This title highlights Jesus' divine authority and his ability to bring true peace to those who trust in him.
The second coming of Jesus will bring about the restoration of complete peace, thereby fulfilling His Messianic role. The concept of peace in this context goes beyond the absence of conflict or turmoil. It encompasses a state of inner tranquilly and reconciliation with God. Jesus' second coming will not only establish external peace but also bring about spiritual healing and wholeness for all who believe in him. This ultimate fulfilment of his Messianic role will bring everlasting peace to humanity, surpassing any temporary peace that can be achieved through human efforts alone.
3. THE GOVERNMENT IS ON HIS SHOULDERS.
Jesus' authority is remarkable to such an extent that He can forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7), thus making him equal to God by calling God his own Father (John 5:18).
This phrase, "the government is on his shoulders," refers to Jesus' role as the ultimate ruler and authority over all aspects of life. It signifies that he will bring order, justice, and righteousness to the world, ensuring a harmonious and just society. Beyond any human leadership or government, this divine governance will be characterised by perfect wisdom, compassion, and fairness.
Undoubtedly, God's presence is with us, signifying that Jesus, who is God, is in our midst. When the angel spoke to Joseph in a dream, he instructed him not to divorce his wife, Mary. The angel of the Lord then elaborated to Joseph that this was by the prophecies, as the virgin would conceive and give birth to a son, who would be called Immanuel, meaning "God with us." (Matthew 1:20-23) And behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20) This further reinforces the idea that God's presence is not limited to physical form but can be felt when believers come together in worship and fellowship.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I encourage you to invite Jesus into your heart or to wholeheartedly embrace him as your Lord and Saviour today. By doing so, you will find salvation from your sins and encounter the divine presence of God in your daily life. Just as Mary and Joseph humbly accepted the angel's divine message and wholeheartedly embraced God's perfect plan, we also have the incredible opportunity to welcome Jesus into the depths of our hearts and experience an intimate, personal connection with Him.
As followers of Christ, we enter this world as children of the earth, receiving the sacrament of water baptism. Afterward, we should seek the baptism of the air, symbolising the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Finally, we are called to embrace the baptism of fire, a transformative experience in our faith journey.
The baptism of fire symbolises the purification and refining of our faith through trials and challenges. It represents the transformation and empowerment that come from fully surrendering to God's will. By embracing all three baptisms, we can experience a deeper level of spiritual growth and intimacy with God, allowing us to fulfil our purpose and impact the world around us.
