SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Luke 11:31) "The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here."
(Matthew 12:42) "The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon: and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here."
PREFACE SUMMARY
I have spent considerable time reflecting on this message, which has weighed heavily on my heart. As I sought the Lord's guidance, I prayed that he would help me communicate the depth of my feelings, as I learned from the Holy Spirit, concerning the phrase "A Greater than Solomon is here."
This message focuses on Jesus' miraculous virgin birth and how God arranged his entrance into the world. It invites us to compare God's divine plan with the historical account of King Solomon's birth as an infant.
By examining both births, we can appreciate the significant differences in their circumstances, purposes, and the divine intentions behind them, leading us to a deeper understanding of God's overall plan for humanity.
As the Christmas holidays draw near, we bask in the joyous celebrations of the season, which revolve around the birth of Christ.
Despite historical records indicating that Jesus was not born in December, this month at the end of the year has evolved into a time for Christians worldwide to unite in harmony and joy, uplifting our spirits and fostering hope.
Alongside the joy of sharing meals and creating cherished memories, giving gifts has become a fundamental aspect of these celebrations. These customs hold significant meaning, as they reflect the ultimate gift God has bestowed upon humanity: the precious gift of His Son.
Through the life and teachings of His Son, we receive hope, experience unconditional love, and find the promise of redemption. Each gift exchanged during these occasions serves as a reminder of divine generosity, creating a deeper connection among family and friends as they celebrate the spirit of giving and the significance of their faith.
Throughout the world, families decorate their homes and participate in church activities. We participate in various meaningful services during this holiday season and joyfully sing Christmas carols.
This special time of year is a touching reminder of our deep gratitude for Christ and his life-changing influence on us. As we celebrate, we reflect on his teachings and the love he exemplifies, which inspires us to spread kindness and warmth to those around us.
" GOD'S PLAN REVEALED."
This message encourages us to use our imagination to grasp its full meaning. There is a Christmas song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas." The final part of the chorus ends with, "If only in my mind." This song teaches us that, by using our imagination, even if we are hundreds of miles from home, we can be anywhere we choose, including with our family at home.
Can you imagine the moment when news spread throughout the kingdom that King David and Bathsheba were expecting a child? Can you imagine what it was like when she gave birth to her son, Prince Solomon?
Two thousand years passed from Adam to Abraham, and two thousand years from Abraham to Christ. During this period, God carefully planned and orchestrated events in preparation for the coming of his Son, the Promised Messiah.
Each generation played a vital role in God's plan, culminating in the birth of his Son. The formation of nations, the establishment of covenants, and the emergence of prophets all guided humanity toward the final fulfillment of God's promise.
A span of two thousand years separated the era of Abraham from the arrival of Christ, when God chose a people to bear his name. During this period, both Scripture and historical evidence indicate that God's eternal plans for humanity are intricately tied to the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
All creation was intentionally designed to foster a personal relationship between God and his most incredible creation, Man. While our calling, mission, and how God equips us for service in his kingdom are essential, we, as his children, must recognize that God draws near to us to express his love. This truth should be the driving force that motivates us to realize that each day we live was created for us.
"CHRIST'S MIRACULUS BIRTH."
God did not send formal invitations to the world to announce the birth of his Son. However, the birth was marked by divine events carefully arranged to fulfill Old Testament prophecies about his coming.
These sacred events included the Angel's appearance to Mary, the miraculous conception through the blessed Holy Spirit, and the specific location of Bethlehem, all of which point to the miraculous nature of his birth.
Although the birth of God's son, Jesus, may not have been celebrated with the grandeur of Solomon's birth, it was marked by a miraculous sign that captured the world's attention. A star left its celestial orbit and hovered above the manger where the infant child lay, illuminating the night sky with its divine light.
This special star drew the attention of wise men, or magi, from far distant lands, who traveled great distances to pay reverence to the newborn King. Meanwhile, humble shepherds watching over their flocks under the starlit sky received the joyful news of his birth from the Holy Angels. They, too, made their way to the stable, eager to worship and celebrate the arrival of God's promised Savior.
The angel told Mary that the child would be named Immanuel, which means "God is with Us." This name highlights his divinity and our importance to him as recipients of his love. Our very birth and existence reflect his overflowing love and compassion for us.
Although the world may not have recognized or celebrated the significance of the Lord's birth, God established a framework in which every legal deed and transaction conducted at courthouses would be stamped with the phrase, "in the year of our Lord, AD," serving as a lasting testimony to the importance of Christ's birth in the timeline of human history.
Describing Jesus as "the gift that keeps on giving" offers rich, profound insights into His inherent nature and the enduring impact He has on believers' lives. This phrase emphasizes His continual presence and the endless blessings He provides, reflecting concepts of grace, love, and hope. Through His teachings, sacrifices, and the transformative power of faith, Jesus consistently offers guidance and support even in times of hardship.
My Conclusion
Solomon's birth, as the son of King David and Bathsheba, was a celebrated event, marking the continuation of a powerful dynasty and promising an era of peace and prosperity.
His reign was characterized by immense wealth, architectural marvels such as the First Temple in Jerusalem, and a reputation for unparalleled wisdom that attracted dignitaries from across the known world, including the Queen of Sheba.
In contrast, Jesus's birth, though announced to shepherds by angels and heralded by a star to the wise men, occurred in humble circumstances, far from the royal courts.
The passion of God and His passion for lost, fallen humanity were not signs of weakness but a deliberate act of divine condescension, demonstrating that God's kingdom operates on principles entirely different from those of human empires.
Jesus's wisdom, as demonstrated in his teachings and parables, surpasses Solomon's, not merely in practical governance but in profound spiritual truth and eternal life. This message centers on the birth of Jesus compared to that of David’s son, Solomon.
Unlike Solomon, who is renowned for his immense wealth and political prowess, Jesus's greatness stems from His identity as the Son of God and the awaited Messiah. His birth heralded the establishment of a spiritual kingdom, one that transcends earthly achievements and offers believers a path to redemption and eternal life.
The promise of eternal life, along with the opportunity to have a meaningful relationship with God, is worth far more than all of Solomon's gold and wisdom combined.
This comparison highlights not only the immense value of faith but also its profound, life-changing power. It illustrates how faith can transform lives and offer hope and purpose in a world often filled with uncertainty.
Lastly, because we know Him as Savior and Lord, we are welcomed into His royal family, celebrating a legacy that far exceeds the fleeting rewards and material gains of this world.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
