2023 1217 Christmas Message

Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah 9:6–7 NIV

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

The Coming King

we take a balanced view at Christmas time

we celebrate the birth of Jesus

Jesus is a child, given by God Almighty to humankind

promised by God through the prophet Isaiah

yet the death and resurrection of Jesus 33 years later is the key moment

The Purpose of the King

he will be the government

not as the nation of Israel imagined as a victor and ruler in the natural

his government was far greater than that

greatness and forever peace would be the measures

he would reign and not be silent or absent

justice and righteousness would grow and sustain this kingdom

a spiritual kingdom for no natural government involving mankind can achieve this

The Nature of the King

there are a list of titles that are very important

four titles that define his kingdom

four titles that give us great encouragement and comfort

Wonderful Counselor - the nature of his ruling

Mighty God - his person, authority and power

Everlasting Father - the way he relates to us

Prince of Peace - the outcome in his government

Christmas Present

emphasis on family, on gift giving

adopted into the family of God

given the gift of eternal life

ability to walk in complete freedom

Christmas Future

the world will continue to discount Christ

Christmas will be more Santa, more gifts, more self

less fix our eyes on Jesus

The Christmas Message for Today

let us honour the life and death of Jesus

it is by his death that we now able to live

celebrate this human baby growing up and living life without sinning

perfect holiness and completely righteous

this is our baby Jesus transform o be the Lord Jesus Christ

wonderful counsellor, mighty God, everlasting Father and prince of peace!