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The birth of a child
This is the time of year when some people’s attention is drawn to thoughts of the birth of Jesus Christ; after all He is the real reason for the season. Unfortunately in this day and age Christmas is heavily commercialised and political correctness is squeezing Jesus Christ out of the equation.
The birth of Jesus was prophesied centuries before it happened at around 750bc in Isaiah chapter 9 verses 6 and 7:-
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
There is no end of the increase of His government and peace on the throne of David, and on His kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from now on, even forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will do this.
This prophesy came to fruition some 750 years later at a time when Israel was under the yoke of the mighty Roman Empire. Just as God had promised through the prophet Isaiah the Child was born in Bethlehem. This Child came from the line of King David. The Gospel of Matthew written about 60ad records the genealogy of Jesus Christ:-
Matthew chapter 1 verse 1 says:-
A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David the son of Abraham.
Likewise the Gospel of Luke written about 60-64ad also records that Jesus was from the line of David. Luke chapter 2 verse 4 and 5 & Luke chapter 3 verses 23 to 38
Jesus Himself claimed to be descended from King David in Revelation chapter 22 verse 16:-
I Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.
The promised Child has come that’s why Christmas is celebrated; but He didn’t rule as a King on the throne of David, the government was not upon His shoulder and He didn’t establish His Kingdom with judgement and justice forever and ever. These promises are still to come.
The first time Jesus came He was crucified at Calvary, died, was buried, rose from the grave three days later, was seen by many and finally ascended into heaven. He did this in order to free humanity from the consequences of our sins which is eternal death. For all who sincerely believe in Him and recognise Him as Lord and Saviour eternal life in paradise is promised. Yes, we will still die and our earthly bodies will decay but we will also be resurrected into new life just as Jesus was. The choice is down to each individual as to whether you believe and follow Jesus or not. The consequence of your choice is eternal and needs to be made while you still live or before the return of Jesus Christ. Those who reject Jesus Christ for whatever reason will find themselves in a vastly different place to paradise.
The promise of Scripture is that at some time in the future some think not too far in the future Jesus Christ will return (Matthew chapter 24) this time as a conquering King. He will rule on the throne of David, the government of the world will be upon His shoulder. His Kingdom will be established with judgement and justice forever and ever. He will judge every single person that has ever lived. For those who accepted and followed Him (their names are written in the book of life) paradise awaits; for all others the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20 verse 15) is their fate. As stated previously the choice is yours to make. Whatever you are doing over the Christmas period you owe it to yourself to spend a little time contemplating the reason for the birth of this special child some 2000 years ago.
Seasons greetings to you all