Who Do You Think You Are?
Opening Prayer
It’s Christmas Day! Rejoice and praise God today for the precious gift to the world of his Son.
Read Isaiah 9:1-7
[1] Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan- [2] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. [3] You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. [4] For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. [5] Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. [6] 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. [7] 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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is the great "good news" contained in these verses?I love watching Who Do You Think You Are? It’s a UK TV program that delves into the past of celebrities in search of their ancestors. There are usually lots of twists and turns, but sometimes the chain is broken and they just can’t get any further back in their family tree. Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus whom we can trace right back through Scripture to King David (see Matt. 1:6-16; Luke 3:23-31). As David’s rightful heir, he will establish the new kingdom of justice and righteousness (7). For the third time in recent chapters Isaiah reveals the name of a child which has a significance far beyond his own family circle. Today, we read the prophecy of the coming Messiah. It’s Christmas Day, and yes, of course we are thinking of the tiny baby in the manger, but we must not forget that he is also the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (6). This is no ordinary child but one born into a world of darkness who came to save people from their sins and bring them eternal life. The world still needs this Christmas baby as much, if not more so, today.
Apply
Which one of the titles in v. 6 do you most identify with? Pray and give thanks to God for it.
Closing prayer
Lord God, loving Father, how grateful I am today for all that You are and all You mean to me.
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