12-24 (Fri) – Isaiah 9 [2–7] – In Time As Promised

As we Gather

Worship is at the heart of Christmas as God’s people join with the angelic host and celebrate that what was promised by God for centuries has been realized in the birth of the babe of Bethlehem. What the prophets had longed and hoped for has become a marvelous reality! The “Christmas story” is more than a story—it is real, true, living history! Today, we rejoice with those who saw Jesus’ coming even before His birth and join with those who surround us here and now in bringing praise to Christ, the babe of Bethlehem, who, by His life, death, and resurrection, has opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

Throughout history, our gracious God has made outlandish promises. His spokesmen, the writers of biblical books, said that a descendant of David would come to sit on an eternal royal throne. More than that, His titles would include some reserved for God in heaven. He was and is a Wonderful Counselor, revealing God’s love in His own life and death; the Mighty God, though hidden within fragile flesh and blood; the Everlasting Father, though trapped in time and space; and the Prince of Peace, ruling not by enforcement of divine law but by forgiving all who call to Him for grace and mercy. Today, we celebrate His birth among us in time, as promised long ago and in our hearts each day.

The world’s celebration of Christmas often focuses on “the magic of the season.” Its stories revolve around what is make-believe. But what is truly wondrous, what should especially cause us to marvel this season is the fact that the narrative of Jesus’ birth in Scripture is absolutely real. At its heart, Christmas has nothing to do with fairy tales and magic but everything to do with genuine history. “It came to pass” at a particular time and place. This is the only thing that brings lasting joy. We have real sins that bring real heartache and death, and so we need a real Savior who brings us real mercy and bodily resurrection to new life. Here is peace on earth: God has become man in order to bring man back to God. The Son of God shares in our humanity in order that we might share in His divine life. Since Jesus is both God and man, we fallen human beings are reconciled to God in Him. The birth of Jesus is an unmistakable sign of God’s good will toward us. “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”