The Birth of Jesus

The New King James Version Chapter 9

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

From that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

6 For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

Isaiah 9:6-7

The New King James Version Chapter 9

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

From that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Christmas

Sherwood Wirt captured the mood of that first Christmas in this description, which he wrote in a Christmas card:

The people of that time were being heavily taxed, and faced every prospect of a sharp increase to cover expanding military expenses. The threat of world domination by a cruel, ungodly, power-intoxicated band of men was ever just below the threshold of consciousness. Moral deterioration had corrupted the upper levels of society and was moving rapidly into the broad base of the populace. Intense nationalistic feeling was clashing openly with new and sinister forms of imperialism. Conformity was the spirit of the age. Government handouts were being used with increasing lavishness to keep the population from rising up and throwing out the leaders. Interest rates were spiraling upward in the midst of an inflated economy. External religious observances were considered a political asset, and abnormal emphasis was being placed upon sports and athletic competition. Racial tensions were at the breaking point. In such a time, and amid such a people, a child was born to a migrant couple who had just signed up for a fresh round of taxation, and who were soon to become political exiles. And the child who was born was called, among other things, Immanuel, God with us.

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom,

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Christ, Incarnation of

The story is told of Shah Abbis, a Persian monarch who loved his people very much. To know and understand them better, he would mingle with his subjects in various disguises. One day he went as a poor man to the public baths and in a tiny cellar sat beside the fireman who tended the furnace. When it was mealtime the monarch shared his coarse food and talked to his lonely subject as a friend. Again and again he visited and the man grew to love him. One day the Shah told him he was the monarch, expecting the man to ask some gift from him. But the fireman sat gazing at his ruler with love and wonder and at last spoke, “You left your palace and your glory to sit with me in this dark place, to eat of my coarse food, to care whether my heart is glad or sorry. On others you may bestow rich presents, but to me you have given yourself, and it only remains for me to pray that you never withdraw the gift of your friendship.”

This beautiful story reminds us that Christ, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, left the glories of heaven in order to share himself with us. That gift of his love and friendship will never be withdrawn from us. He chose to be your friend and mine forever.

To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice

From henceforth even for ever.

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

*****This is a Time of Celebration...

Introduction:

The story is told of Shah Abbis, a Persian monarch who loved his people very much. To know and understand them better, he would mingle with his subjects in various disguises. One day he went as a poor man to the public baths and in a tiny cellar sat beside the fireman who tended the furnace. When it was mealtime the monarch shared his coarse food and talked to his lonely subject as a friend. Again and again he visited and the man grew to love him. One day the Shah told him he was the monarch, expecting the man to ask some gift from him. But the fireman sat gazing at his ruler with love and wonder and at last spoke, “You left your palace and your glory to sit with me in this dark place, to eat of my coarse food, to care whether my heart is glad or sorry. On others you may bestow rich presents, but to me you have given yourself, and it only remains for me to pray that you never withdraw the gift of your friendship.”

This beautiful story reminds us that Christ, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, left the glories of heaven in order to share himself with us. That gift of his love and friendship will never be withdrawn from us. He chose to be your friend and mine forever.

Our Scripture today comes from Isaiah 9:6-7...

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder:

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.

The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be

Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom,

no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom,

To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice

From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

I. Jesus Christ comes to this Earth.

Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died a horrible death, and was raised from the dead as Savior and Lord....

A. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died a horrible death, and was raised from the dead as Savior and Lord....

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: The first part speaks of humanity, the second speaks of His deity.

Luke 2:11 NKJV

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

B.He is in complete control… And the government shall be upon his shoulder....

And the government shall be upon his shoulder....

1. He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Matthew 28:18 NKJV

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

II. Jesus is Given Five Names

A. Wonderful

Judges 13:18 NKJV

And the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?”

B. Counselor

The first Christmas after the death of a loved one; the first Christmas after a painful divorce with joint custody. The circle is broken and so is your heart. In times like this we probably don't need a counseling session, but it would help if we had someone who could identify with our hurts, fears and pain. We have, He's a "Wonderful Counselor." Anyone who can create the world, can counsel me in my little world.

The Hebrew word means "to advise; to deliberate or resolve." It can also mean to give counsel or guide." The Psalmist said, "I will bless the Lord who has counseled me. " You're always on solid ground when you listen to the wisdom and counsel of God.

Proverbs 8:14 NKJV

Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.

Counselor

He is a "Wonderful Counselor" because He says, "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." If you've hit the wall this year, listen to your counselor, "I will not leave you comfortless." If you have a big decision to make, listen to your counselor, "If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God." "Call unto me and I'll show you great and mighty things you know not of."

B. Counselor

1. Research reveals that the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the time more people suffer depression than any time of the year. Studies also show that more people commit or consider suicide on Sunday nights than any other time of week. Why? When we think of Christmas we think of family. Norman Rockwell scene comes to mind. But for many, Christmas is the loneliest time of the year.

The first Christmas after the death of a loved one; the first Christmas after a painful divorce with joint custody. The circle is broken and so is your heart. In times like this we probably don't need a counseling session, but it would help if we had someone who could identify with our hurts, fears and pain. We have, He's a "Wonderful Counselor." Anyone who can create the world, can counsel me in my little world.

2. The Hebrew word means "to advise; to deliberate or resolve." It can also mean to give counsel or guide." The Psalmist said, "I will bless the Lord who has counseled me. " You're always on solid ground when you listen to the wisdom and counsel of God.

Many people shall come and say,

3. He is a "Wonderful Counselor" because He says, "Come unto Me,

all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." If you've hit the wall this year, listen to your counselor, "I will not leave you comfortless." If you have a big decision to make, listen to your counselor, "If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God." "Call unto me and I'll show you great and mighty things you know not of."

Many people shall come and say,

“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

To the house of the God of Jacob;

He will teach us His ways,

And we shall walk in His paths.”

C. The Mighty God,

1. , "For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form..." You cannot explain Jesus without acknowledging He is God in flesh. Because of who He is…He can save you from your sin and do mighty things in your behalf.

1 John 5:20 NKJV

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

2. Warren Wiersbe said, "What a paradox that a babe in a manger should be called mighty. Yet even as a baby, Jesus Christ revealed power. His birth affected the heavens as that star appeared. The star affected the Magi, and they left, their homes and made that long journey to Jerusalem. Their announcement shook King Herod and his court. Jesus' birth brought angels from heaven and simple shepherds from their flocks on the hillside. Midnight became midday as the glory of the Lord appeared to men."

Warren Wiersbe said, "What a paradox that a babe in a manger should be called mighty. Yet even as a baby, Jesus Christ revealed power. His birth affected the heavens as that star appeared. The star affected the Magi, and they left, their homes and made that long journey to Jerusalem. Their announcement shook King Herod and his court. Jesus' birth brought angels from heaven and simple shepherds from their flocks on the hillside. Midnight became midday as the glory of the Lord appeared to men."

D. The Everlasting Father

1. This does not suggest that the Son is also the Father, for each Person in the Godhead is distinct. “Father of Eternity” is a better translation.

(KJV) 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

He is the “Father of eternity.”, He is not God the Father.

2. He is the “Father of eternity.”, He is not God the Father.

(KJV) 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

E. The Prince of Peace.

1. Stephen Olford, a well known preacher died 2004

Ephesians 2:14 NKJV

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

[Dr. Billy Graham called him "the man who most influenced my ministry."[3] He was a personal confidant of Graham. Olford was also a role model and friend to prominent pastors such as Charles Stanley and Adrian Rogers]

He writes "Of the five titles given to our Lord Jesus Christ this one is the greatest, for it speaks to the deepest needs of the human heart." Only when Christ is on the throne is there Peace in the human heart.

(KJV) 11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

2. The Psalmist said in

(KJV) 11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

3. In , God promised Israel 'peace in the land'. Peace means completeness, it is a term of contentment and rest. In a world filled with hate, chaos, and uncertainty, the Prince of Peace has come and we can have peace.

(KJV) 11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

III. He is mighty in what He will do. (vs 7)

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever.

Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom,

To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice

From henceforth even for ever.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,

A. He will rule completely. (v.6) B. He will rule eternally. (v.7) C. He will rule powerfully. (v.7)

He is mighty in what He will do. (vs.6-7) 1.) He will rule completely. (v.6) 2.) He will rule eternally. (v.7) 3.) He will rule powerfully. (v.7) 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,

A. He will rule completely. (v.7)

Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom,

To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice

Luke 1:32–33 NKJV

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

From henceforth even for ever.

.

B. He will rule eternally. (v.7)

It shall be an increasing government. It shall be multiplied; the bounds of his kingdom shall be more and more enlarged, and many shall be added to it daily. The lustre of it shall increase, and it shall shine more and more brightly in the world. B. He will rule eternally. (v.7)

Luke 1:32–33 NKJV

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

C. He will rule powerfully. (v.7) Sitting eternally upon the throne of David, the Messiah will establish perfect justice and righteousness on earth.

5 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

His government will be far-flung, peaceful, and endless. Sitting upon the throne of David, He will rule with judgment and justice.

Isaiah's prophecy of the coming King was a message of hope for the people of Israel and Judah in a time of great distress. But it is also a message for all of us to rejoice in, because it is was "For to US a child is born, to Us a son is given."

CONCLUSION: Isaiah's prophecy of the coming King was a message of hope for the people of Israel and Judah in a time of great distress. But it is also a message for all of us to rejoice in, because it is was "For to US a child is born, to Us a son is given." We are at the moment in the season of Advent. The word Advent comes from the Latin word for coming, it is a time of waiting and preparation as we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. But Advent is also the time of year when we look forward to the time when Jesus will come again in power and glory.

We are at the moment in the season of Advent. The word Advent comes from the Latin word for coming, it is a time of waiting and preparation as we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. But Advent is also the time of year when we look forward to the time when Jesus will come again in power and glory.

In the busyness that accompanies the run up to Christmas, I want to encourage you to take time to think about how you can prepare to welcome the coming King afresh in your life, and rejoice that we can know this King of kings personally, as our Lord and saviour. That we can know him as the Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, our Everlasting Father and our Prince of Peace.