For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called...Mighty God.” These words were recorded by the prophet Isaiah roughly 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Born as a child, yet also Mighty God. Born to us. Not randomly, or casually, but according to God’s wonderful plan which existed before the creation of the world. Mighty God, born to us as a child.
For to us a child is born. He is the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. During this season as we celebrate the birth of Christ, let’s also celebrate him as Alpha and Omega. He is the one constant in the world and in our lives. Don’t leave him in the manger; also celebrate his eternal nature and his active involvement in every aspect of our lives, powerfully and gently leading us until we are glorified and in the presence of Mighty God. In the midst of our trials, tribulations, and suffering we have hope because God is at work in the world and in us, refining us and perfecting our faith. Nothing can stand in his way, for all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him.
In the midst of our trials, tribulations, and suffering we have hope because God is at work in the world and in us, refining us and perfecting our faith.
As we celebrate his birth, let us rejoice in the knowledge that this child in the manger is the one through whom all things were made, and that “without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3). You were made through him and for his purposes. Live them out. Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.
This child is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. “Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light. Radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord, at thy birth.”
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11–12).
We celebrate because Mighty God came in the flesh to live as one of us, not like one of us. He lived a perfect, sin-free life and we are now reconciled to him and adopted into God’s family.
“Oh come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant...Come and behold him, born the King of angels...O come let us adore him. Christ the LORD.”
Liturgy
Praise to our undefeatable God.
The holiest and highest,
deserving greater praise than we could ever give.
Ultimate might deserves ultimate authority.
Creator, Redeemer, Healer, King.
The world is yours because you made it. Even the wind and the waters know the name of he who commands them. The Lordship of Christ is on display everywhere we look. And yet, we still manage to doubt your breadth and sovereignty.
Father, forgive us. We forget all too easily that the True Vine is our strong tower, and we run to weaker gods to shelter us from the storms of life.
You used your strength to become weak, the mighty made lowly.
So mighty that a throne was exchanged for a manger, and again for a cross.
So mighty that the Alpha and Omega stepped into our world, looked death in the eye, and crushed it completely.
It is because of this unmatchable might that we can look forward with hope, knowing that one day all things on earth
will be as they are in heaven.
Remind us daily that any hint of strength we see here on earth is but a whisper of what we’ll see someday in heaven. Until then, embolden your Church, Oh God, to live like this is true.
Amen.
