Sabbath Thought – A Child is Born

“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,” (Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV).

On December 25^th this world will celebrate Christmas – ostensibly to recognize the birth of the Savior of the world. More realistically it is an increasingly secular practice of getting gifts and having time off from school or work, or the make-or-break retail season for the retail industry. It is sad to note that the Christmas season is promoted as one of good will towards others, of giving, of being with family and so forth, but it also a time of great stress in dealing with the money being spent, the gifts that have to be just right for the family, or being with the family that doesn’t get along the rest of the year.

What does it mean for us to read Isaiah 9:6-7? Let’s not just skip ahead to the time when Christ will rule on earth. As we enter this Sabbath let’s be reminded of a few things. God has already sent His Son for not only those called out now, but also for the rest of the world (John 3:16). It is through Christ’s shed blood (Matthew 26:28) that we can have our sins forgiven, being redeemed to God (Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14). The Son of God now sits at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 8:1-2) overseeing God’s Work and being a mediator of the better covenant (verse 6) and as an eternal High Priest for us (Hebrews 6:20). Because of all of this, we also know that we are to be kings and priests (Revelation 5:10) to rule with Him on earth.

The Son of God that we worship is not a dead Jesus on a cross, and He is not a helpless baby in a manger. The Son given to mankind came to replace the rule of Satan on this earth with God’s perfect government. Christ will reign without end beside the Father – forever, ruling in love and multiplying peace. That is the message of Christ’s physical birth.

While we don’t celebrate Christmas, let us continually remember the reason for Christ’s birth and our role with Him in the future that God has in store for all of mankind.

I wish you a wonderful Sabbath,

Dan Dowd

21 December, 2024