Isaiah 9:6-7 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. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
IS GIVEN -> The purpose of Christmas to rejoice and give thanks to Him who gave us this Gift, namely God the Father, from whom all blessings flow. Christmas is the Festival of the Father.
A CHILD -> The gift, from the king of Kings, not gold or silver, not technology or an easy life, only a tiny little child. Seemingly useless but the gift promised from the very beginning, the child Eve was looking for, and all the prophets since.
A SON -> Not just any child but a Son. Indicating the one begotten by the giver. He gave not our son, but His son. Not a child of our begetting, but of His. The LORD himself as man.
UNTO US -> Not passing through, not speaking to, not working on behalf of, not simply our mediator, not simply an ambassador, all of these things yes but much more. One of us, become us, as much human as you and I. Yet perfect without sin.
THE ZEAL OF THE LORD -> Dependent not on the works of man, coming not when men remained faithful, but brought about by the zeal, the energy, the purpose of the LORD, a purpose unwavering and undiminished through 4,000 years of human sin!
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Let Israel now say, “His mercy endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron now say, “His mercy endures forever.”
Let those who fear the LORD now say, “His mercy endures forever.”
Psalm 118:1-4
A very blessed Christmas to all those in India, in Nepal, in Africa, in Canada, and in the US, and in the rest of the World. There is much that has happened this past year, but it is through all of you that the Lord has strengthened me and preserved me. As He gave us His Son, He gave us His love, may that love continue to grow between us all.
In the Love of Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Matthew Ude
