Advent | Born a King

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 KJV

When I think about this prophetic word I imagine a son being born into a royal family. Yet being raised in the house of a carpenter, Jesus did not have the trappings of royalty. He was worshiped as a baby by the shepherds and the magi but I suspect that this worship ceased as he matured. In this respect he was similar to his ancestor King David who was anointed king years before he ascended to the throne. On this Christmas Day it is good to remember that he who was born a king also had to wait many years before he would ascend his throne. It teaches us about patience.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.
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Advent | Prince of Peace

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 KJV

In this world of war, hatred and discord, is there a more nobler title than Prince of Peace? How many of us long and pray for world peace yet find it so hard to be at peace with other and sometimes with ourselves. The apostle Paul writes and tells us that there is a peace that passes understanding - an inner peace that brings a stillness when the storms are raging outside. This is the Messianic peace that only that baby in Bethlehem can bring. It is an inner stillness that only comes when we know that He is God. It is a peace that spills from our hearts and brings reconciliation to other hearts.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.
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Advent | Divine Son

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 KJV

This prophetic word gives us a picture of what ancient Jews were expecting a Messiah to look like. This morning I want to ponder with you a portion of this prophecy. Isaiah tells us that the Messiah would first be a son - a descendant of Israel. In this same word he calls that son "The Mighty God". When these two messianic qualities are combined, it makes sense that the Messiah would be both human and divine. In this light Christ's virgin birth interprets Isaiah's prophecy.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.
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Advent | Response

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” -Luke 1:18,38 NIV

The angel Gabriel made two visits that year. One was to a religious leader and one to a teenage girl. These had very different responses to the angel. The older, "wiser", one had unbelief while the younger, "naive" one, had faith. It seems to me that the older responded from his mind and the younger from her heart. It speaks to me of how faith is a matter of the heart. It tells me that angelic messages, the good news, must be heard with the heart and not the head.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.
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Advent | Magi

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ... When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. -Matthew 2:1-2,10-11 NIV

Jesus was born. Angels came to Shepherds. Shepherds came to the manger to see Jesus. Jesus was circumcised in Jerusalem eight days later. Mary, Joseph and Jesus were now living in Bethlehem. They were beginning to settle in to married life. And then there was a knock on the door. Mary was alone with her son when strangers came bearing gifts. These men had been directed by a star to her son. They worshiped when they beheld his face. Soon all would change and this young family would be running for their lives. And the Magi, these mysterious men, brought gifts that would help them on their journey. And on Christmas Day we remember God's provision for this young family when we give gifts.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.
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Advent | Anna

There was also a prophet, Anna ... She was very old ... was a widow ... she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. -Luke 2:36-38 NIV

Simeon had just spoken prophetic words over the baby Jesus. Anna most probably heard his words and took them to heart as she told others about the one who was born to redeem humanity. In that sense, she seems to have been the very first evangelist. I can imagine her speaking of the Christ Child to all who came to the temple. I love that such a one, one committed to fasting and prayer for so many years, was one of the first to see the baby Jesus. Perhaps Anna is a witness to us also concerning what happens when we are faithful to worship with fasting and prayer?

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.
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Advent | Simeon's Prophecy

Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” -Luke 2:34-35 NIV

It was a special day for two new parents. It was the day of Jesus' circumcision. But Mary and Joseph did not know how special the day would be. They didn't know that prophetic words would be spoken over their baby. What amazing things to be said about the baby Jesus. How Mary must have looked back at these words when her son ministered and revealed the thoughts of hearts. And how her soul was pierced through when soldiers nailed her son to the cross.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.
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