A Fathers Gift

  Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
6     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.

Last time we talked about the Child being born for ALL of us. It is beautiful to know that God is inclusive and not exclusive. But why would a child need to be born to us or a Son be given to us?

One reason mankind would need such a gift… sin. Sin is defined as missing the mark. So that begs the question what in the world is the mark? The mark is the standard of behavior we aim for – it is about morality as much as it is about attitude. There are certain sins that are obvious such as murder but there are attitudes of the heart like resentment, malice, hate lust, and rage that are equally sinful. We all fall short, we all miss the mark unfortunately it is the human condition. Because of that God sent his only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. This is why he is a gift.

Another reason the Child, the Son was born in a manger is simply to show us what God is like. The Son is like his Father. The child reveals to us the character, action, and purpose of the Father. What does a baby teach us about God?

He values relationship. The relationship between mother and baby is precious. The Son, the Gift is knowing that the Lord wants to be in relationship. He values it and it is important to him or the Son would not have needed a mom.

He is approachable. Have you read the Old Testament? All the power God exercised in the Old Testament suddenly appears on each in the approachable, vulnerable form of a baby. Jesus could have shown up on Earth as a full grown adult with armies of angels. But the baby teaches us God is approachable.

He is relatable. The son is born and that means he can relate to the human condition and experience. He has walked a mile in our shoes. He understands what is it to have to feel hungry, cry, have to grow up, be completely dependent on another human being, be part of a family. He gets you and me because he was fully human while being fully God.

He is loveable. Who doesn’t love a baby?

He is humble. From walking streets of Gold to living in a cold stinky stable – the Son moves into our neighborhood and into the human condition. He who created all things was born into poverty and unknown family.

The child was born so that you would know God wants to know you.

The son was given so that you know God gets you.

The child was born so that you would know God loves you.

The Child, the Gift of the Son is for us – all of us.

So then what does it mean that the government is on his shoulders?

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