Isaiah 9:6

6 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.

 

 

 

 

I wonder what your favorite Christmas movie is. If the answer isn't Elf, then I'm sorry, but you're wrong. Perhaps you disagree with me, in which case we will have to agree to disagree. However, I would imagine that you, like me, found the plot of the 2003 Christmas comedy film extremely interesting.

 

Perhaps you've never seen the movie, in which case, let me give you a bit of a spoiler. We are introduced to a man named 'Buddy' who, through a strange set of circumstances, was brought up in the North Pole with Santa and his elves. Given his upbringing, Buddy led his entire life believing that he himself was an elf and, as a result, was very confused as to why he was 6 foot tall and unable to match the pace of his fellow elves when it came to making toys. One day, Buddy receives the shocking news that, after all, he isn't an elf - he is actually a human being!! Shock Horror!

 

As the film unfolds, we follow Buddy the elf on his journey to New York city in an attempt to be reunited with his family and finally, after discovering his true identity, Buddy's life begins to make sense.

 

As we continue looking at Isaiah 9:6, we see the second title given to this baby who would be born. This is the exact title which reveals to us this baby's real identity and, just like Buddy the elf, when we understand this baby's true identity, everything else starts to make sense.

 

Yesterday we noted how strange it was that this baby had his accomplishments listed before he was even born. Added to this, we saw that he would be someone who would inspire awe and possess a supernatural ability to lead and guide his people. The question we are left with after discovering these magnificent truths is, 'how on earth is this even possible?' This is the exact question that is answered for us when the second title given to this baby is given in Isaiah's prophecy.

 

How could this baby have so many accomplishments listed before he was even born? How could this baby inspire awe and wonder among the people? How could this baby be able to provide wisdom and guidance like no one else? Because he isn't simply a baby, rather this baby is God himself. Isaiah tells us that this new born isn't just a wonderful counselor, he is actually 'Mighty God!' In other words, Jesus isn't just fully man, he's fully God!!

 

During the Christmas season, no doubt you will see many images portraying Jesus. Each of these images will show Jesus as a sweet little baby, tender and mild. However, we should never allow these images to form a comprehensive view in our minds as to who this Jesus really is. This Jesus is God in flesh! He is the one who rules and reigns in the Heavens. He is the one who, as Paul reminds the Colossians (1:16-17), is the creator and sustainer of this entire Universe. Think about it, if Jesus ceases to be God for just one millisecond, this whole world would combust. Because from Jesus' very breath, the entire world is held in tact. Added to that, he is the one who will judge the world for their sin (Matt 25:31) and, because of his sheer glory, will have every knee bow before him due to his incomparable holiness (Phil 2:10). Isn't this a far cry from some of the images of Jesus you will see this Christmas?

 

However, this truth should fill your heart with gladness. Because It is only through Jesus being both fully man and fully God that Christmas can truly be good news. Why so? Well, as sinners in need of rescue, we needed a human who could represent us and a God who would forgive us. Jesus, therefore is the only one who is qualified to fulfil such a task. He bridges the gap between our sinfulness and God's holiness so that our broken relationship could be restored. None of our human efforts could ever cause us to be acceptable before God, only the accomplishment and deity of Christ cause this to happen. As Paul says to Timothy (1 Timothy 2:5) - 'There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ.'

 

Questions for Reflection:

1) How do some of the images of Christ you see at Christmas warp your view of him?

2) Why do you think it is vitally important that Jesus isn't just fully man, but that he is also fully God?

3) How does the knowledge  that Jesus is God encourage you in your walk with him today?
 

Prayer for today:

Father God, forgive me when I have a weakened view of your glorious Son, the Lord Jesus. I pray that the images I see portraying you this Christmas will not distort the reality of how glorious Jesus truly is. Thank you that He is fully man and fully God and, because of this, only Jesus can act as my mediator to restore my broken relationship with you, a Holy God. I pray that this glorious truth would win my heart today as I seek to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel.