Before the Cradle : An Advent Reflection
A Son is Given
What is the greatest gift anyone has ever given you at Christmas?
This question isn’t as easy to answer as you might think. Over the years, I’ve received many wonderful, thoughtful gifts. But the truth is, I’d be hard-pressed to remember them all, let alone pick a favorite.
Yet, there is one gift, given to all of us, that, when accepted, is the Greatest Gift of all ever given in the history of the world.
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Nearly 700 years before the cradle, Isaiah prophesied our Savior’s birth.
The Child was born . . . to us!
A Son was given . . . to us!
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah’s pen inscribes an important distinction with these words.
The Son is not born like the Child. The Son is given.
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” (Gal 4:4-5, emphasis mine)
As we’ve seen in previous weeks, Jesus existed since before time began. On a hypothetical divine calendar, God would have marked that Bethlehem night with a gold star since before time began: “Send Jesus to earth as a little child. So He can show them what I’ve been telling them for the last 1,000 years.”
Can you imagine the joy the angels felt when, at last, they could appear to the shepherds, declaring:
“Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
Indeed, their praise must have shaken the earth!
The shepherds responded at once, saying, “‘Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.’” (Luke 2:15)
As we light the candle of Joy this third Sunday of Advent, let’s pause to consider the shepherd’s great joy and their response to the great and glorious news!
Shalom.
The gift of our Savior, Christ the Lord, has been made known to you.
How will you respond?
Do you want to accept the Gift?
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18)
“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom 10:9)
“For ‘WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.’” (Rom 10:13)
The Bible clearly says that you must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone in order to be saved. This means to receive and trust Him alone for forgiveness. A simple, sincere prayer of faith to God can change your life forever.
Would you like to pray right now to trust Jesus Christ?
A suggested prayer:
Dear God, I know I am a sinner, living in violation of You, and need forgiveness. I believe the Lord Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died on the cross to pay the price for my sins. I believe Jesus rose from the dead, defeating sin and death according to the scriptures. I receive Christ as my personal sin-bearer and Saviour. God same me. Amen.
Accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour is the most important decision you will ever make. If you made this choice, it is your first priority to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. Here are some additional resources, from the ministry of Billy Graham, to help you connect with a local church.
https://churches.goingfarther.net/
Shalom. Peace be with you.
May this beautiful season bring you and yours great comfort and joy, dear one!