BRINGING CHRIST BACK INTO CHRISTMAS PART I

In December 1903, after many attempts, the Wright brothers were successful in getting their "flying machine" off the ground. Thrilled, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: "We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas." Katherine hurried to the editor of the local newspaper and showed him the message. He glanced at it and said, "How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas." He totally missed the big news--man had flown! (Daily Bread, December 23, 1991.)

Medford carolers jingle their way to world record.

On Nov 30th 2004, 3,837 people gathered at 5 High St. Medford MA and sang carols continuously for 32 minutes. It broke the record of 1,175 people singing for 28 minutes in Cambridge, Ontario, in December 2003. They sang, Jingle Bells, Rudolph the red nose rain deer, winter wonderland but they conveniently avoided singing any Christian Christmas Carols such as Joy to the world, Hark the herald angels sing, silent night etc.

In the first illustration the local editor totally missed the big news, which was “Man had flown for the first time ever in the history.” In the second one in the quest of getting into the Guinness book of world record the Medford crowd conveniently pushed Christ away from the Carols, the one who is the real reason for this season.

Unfortunately that has been the case with many, either they totally miss out on the greatest news or deliberately remove Christ from Christmas. Remembering what was said of the coming Messiah by the prophet Isaiah thousands of years ago will help us to bring back Christ into Christmas and will also add more meaning to our Christmas celebrations.

Prophecies Concerning the Messiah’s Arrival: Various prophets foretold the birth of Christ. These prophecies gave people hope against hope. They gave them certain signs to look for. They also gave them confidence to wait expectantly, longingly for the arrival of the Messiah.

The Prophet Isaiah prophesied this prophecy during (740-686 B.C.) During that time the nation of Israel rebelled against God through their idolatry. They were worshiping idols other than worshiping the real God Jehovah. Isaiah not only prophesied the upcoming judgement, the imminent exile but also a hope of restoration. Isaiah 9: 6-7 “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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”

Over the centuries the words of this prophecy must have brought great relief to the Jewish people in their time of distress and despair. According to the prophecy now they could look forward with confidence that one-day all their troubles will be over. The messiah will come and deliver them from the tyranny of Rome and establish his kingdom on earth. This prophecy contains four major truths or characteristics of God in it: 1. Wonderful Counselor, 2 Mighty God, 3. Everlasting Father, 4. Prince of Peace. Let’s take a close look at each of these Characteristics.

I. Wonderful Counselor:

During the time of this prophecy the house of Israel had forgotten how Moses, their other leaders and kings used to inquire of God for His counsel and direction. Instead they began to consult mediums, and spiritists. They were consulting the dead on behalf of the living. (Is 8:19)

These mediums, spiritists and the false prophets were misleading people. This was an abomination to God. He gave a strong warning to Isaiah not to follow their ways of Israelites. Interestingly in the prophecy we just read the first character of God mentioned here was “Wonderful Counselor” indicating that God did not want his children to consult any other mediums besides him. Because He is the only one who could give them the right advice.

As a fulfillment of that promise Jesus came into this world as a helpless baby. From his very childhood onwards Jesus exhibited extraordinary wisdom. As a 12-year boy he argued with the teachers and the experts of the law in the temple courts. Every one who heard him was amazed at his understanding and answers. (Lk 2:27). The crowds marveled at his teaching because he taught as one who had authority.(Matt 7:28) Seeing the extraordinary miracle of healing the crowds were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of David?” (Mat 12:23).

The religious establishment of his time could not stand his wisdom they were provoked in their hearts by his authoritative teachings and claims and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?”(Matt 13:54). Towards the end of his ministry to his disheartened and troubled disciples Jesus promised to send them another Counselor to be with them forever. (John 14:15) That was the Holy Spirit.

Just like in the days of Isaiah today there are several self-made people who claim to have supernatural powers, words of wisdom and knowledge. In the late 1960s streams of Hinduism came to the United States. The term "guru," or spiritual teacher, became a household word. Many gurus came from India to America in these years. Among the first to arrive was the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who became the guru of the Beatles and started the Students International Meditation Society (SIMS) in 1965. He was the first to popularize a discipline of meditation he called Transcendental Meditation. Some people are ready to cough up $ 700 for a twenty minutes consultation, to find out their future. Unfortunately not many people turn to Jesus the wonderful Counselor.

II. Mighty God:

When the Israelites heard the words Mighty God could this have brought back some distant memories of how their forefathers had seen the mighty miracles from a mighty God and how they were delivered from their 400 years of bondage in Egypt by the mighty hand of God?(Ex 6:1). Moses reminded the Israelites after they reached the Promised Land, “ The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh the King of Egypt.”

Our minds can not comprehend the power of God let alone trying to explain it. After his successful mission to the moon in 1969 Neil Armstrong commented, “It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.” Isaiah encouraged the people of Judah not to be afraid but to look up and see the Sovereign God coming with power. (Isaiah 40:9-10).

Job inspite of his miserable and painful condition speaks of the Greatness of God. Listen to what Job had to say, “He spreads out the northern skies over empty space he suspends the earth over nothing. By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent. And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him.(Job 26:7-14)

In the book of Proverbs we are challenged with these questions. (Pro 30:4) Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know? We can get a glimpse of heaven in Rev 19-11-15.

What are you afraid off? Is global tourism frightening you? Are you worried about your Job situation? Are you discouraged or struggling with addiction? Is there strife in the family? Is your debt increasing? No matter what your circumstances are today take courage, take a moment to look up from your desperate situation and “See the Mighty hand of God coming to your rescue so that you will experience his provision and deliverance.

God is all-powerful. His power has no limits. In other words there is nothing in this world he can not do. All things are possible with God. God is able to turn your situation other way around. He is able to set you free so that you can experience abundant life. He is able to put all the broken pieces together and heal your broken heart. We serve a mighty God! We can unapologetically celebrate Christmas. He is the reason for the season! Come let us adore Him during this season!