The Child

Isaiah 9 He has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before You as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide spoil.

For unto us a child is born; to us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.

Is there anything that provokes greater tenderness than a newborn child? Completely defenseless. Totally dependent. Little naked feet. Soft downy hair. Wonderful baby smell.

For unto us a Child is born. To us a Son is given.

I want you to get this. Jesus could have come in any form. He could have dropped from heaven as a man. Full grown. A reigning king. A mighty warrior. God wrote this story and He could have written it in any fashion that He chose.

God chose to wrap His heart up in a newborn baby and send it to us.

Unto us a Child is born.

A Son. Given to us. To you. Why?

Consider this....He wanted you to see the depth of His affections for you. Not a conqueror. Not a ruler. Not a dictator. God sent you His heart. His love. His only Son. As a helpless, defenseless infant. Naked feet. Sweet baby smell. Soft downy hair. To us. To humans who would fail Him. Who would misunderstand him. Who would mock Him. Who would torture and finally crucify Him.

It will be different when He comes the next time. But for today...think of how He came the first time. See Him as Immanuel. In a manger. Emptying Himself of all authority. All power. All might. And making Himself vulnerable to win your heart.

It is your heart that He is after.

And what can soften a heart like a newborn child?

Unto you that child was born. Unto you that Son was given.

What will you do with this Child?

Father You are marvelous beyond all comprehension. That you would give Yourself to us is almost impossible to believe. That You would show the depth of Your love to us by sending the most precious thing that You had, Your Son, to us is the greatest testament of Your devotion to us. God soften our hearts. Help us to forget for a moment about presents, dinners, decorations and trees. Lord burn into our hearts the picture of Your love for us, Your sacrifice for us, Your Son....for us. I am amazed. I am humbled. I am captured by that love. Captivate us, Lord Jesus, with YOU.