Immanuel, the Gift that Keeps Giving
Rev. Enoch Thompson | December 14 2024 | Isaiah 9:6-7
KEY VERSE:
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
One of the marked activities of the Christmas season is the giving of gifts among friends and relations. This attitude of giving at Christmas is an imitation of the greatest giving that ever took place; God gave the world the gift of Christ, which, when received by humans, keeps blessing their lives and makes them into sources of blessing wherever they find themselves.
Immanuel, Christ, came to us as a child. He was born as any human baby. In the manger at Bethlehem, a helpless little baby was on display. But this little child was the Son of God, given to us, not born, for the Son of God existed before the birth of the Christ child. He came to be the ruler over the human race with whom He identified in His incarnation. For those who would allow Him to rule in their hearts, the Kingdom of God is established, and Christ takes responsibility for the government of such lives. Immanuel was intended to be God, making His dwelling with humans. The deity of the babe in the manger is demonstrated by His prophesied accolades, “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
God loved you so much that He gave His only Begotten Son to you so that, believing in Him, you will have God's life welling up in your spirit and that rivers of living water will flow from you to others in your environment. Have you accepted this ever-living and ever-giving gift of God? Thank God for His wonderful gift of Christ to you.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, God who became a baby for my salvation and blessing, I accept you as the ruler over my life and welcome all that you mean to be to me. Please help me to live out and proclaim the inexpressible love and gift of God. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: GIVEN
The word “given” in Isaiah 9:6 comes from the Hebrew root word nathan (נָתַן), meaning “to give, to bestow, or to grant.” This term signifies a deliberate and gracious act of offering something precious to another. In the context of this verse, “given” emphasizes that the Son was not simply born but intentionally given to us by God as a gift of immense value and purpose.
This word reflects God’s ultimate generosity. Unlike the birth of any other child, the Son given to us was eternally preexistent, stepping into humanity to fulfil God’s redemptive plan. This act points to the heart of Christmas: God’s love poured out in an unfathomable gift—His Son, Jesus Christ.
Theologically, “given” reveals God’s sovereignty and grace. It is a reminder that salvation is not earned but gifted to humanity. Jesus, the given Son, carries the weight of our sins and offers us peace, righteousness, and eternal life. Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus was given to you influence the way you receive and share God’s love? Jesus was intentionally given for your salvation. As recipients of such a profound gift, we are called to live in gratitude, allowing His life to shine through us.
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