The Road to Bethlehem: A Child Is Born

Yesterday, we read about how Jesus was prophesied as a great light coming into the darkness. Today, we get into some of the richness that is in Isaiah 9:6 where we read a lot about who the Messiah is going to be and what He is going to do.

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.

Isaiah 9:6

Waiting can be hard, can't it? Yesterday, we also heard a little about how God's people were on the verge of being invaded by enemies. Through Isaiah, the Messiah was prophesied, but they would have to wait for the Messiah to come. And when the Messiah finally came, they would still have to wait a little bit longer. Why? "For to us a child is born." How many babies do you know that are great leaders? How many babies do you know that are great warriors? How many babies do you know that can defeat their enemies? Babies are good at eating, drinking, sleeping, pooping and peeing. Sure they will be able to do other things, but you have to wait for them to be able to do those things.

• What is significant about Jesus the Messiah coming as a baby?
• He was vulnerable. King Herod was so threatened by the birth of the Messiah that he had all of the young boys who were born around when Jesus was killed. (Matthew 2:16) An angel warned Joseph of this and he, Mary and baby Jesus fled to Egypt keeping Jesus safe.
• He was dependent on others. Babies can't feed or dress themselves. Babies need their parents to take care of them. Jesus, even though He was God, still needed Mary and Joseph to take care of him.
• He was able to experience all of human life live a sinless life.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

I can recall holding each of you when you were just babies. It was truly an incredible feeling you in my arms and feeling the overwhelming love I had for you. At the same time I knew of your weakness and vulnerability I also had dreams of the future and of watching you grow up and become Godly men. Since you both were born after Christmas, I was also amazed that God would send His Son into our world as a little baby. That helped to even better appreciate the love that He has for us.