“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, ESV)
Isaiah 9:6 is one of the most synonymous Bible verses related to Christmas. To us a child is born! We know that child is Jesus. He is sent as a gift from God. He is the most wonderful gift we have ever been given.
There is a reason it is called “Christ”-mas. Jesus indeed the reason for the season. While much of the celebration of Christmas in the world may be misguided, there is still a stir caused by one born so long ago in a most insignificant way. Even those who do not believe in him will sing songs in worship to him. Think about that for a moment (see Philippians 2:10).
But he was not some great political king. He lived in an insignificant part of the world far away from the bright lights of Rome. The extent of his ministry was only three years. From a human point of view, his life was forgettable in the pages of history. But this is God in the flesh we are talking about!
How many hospitals, universities, shelters, and other institutions bear the name Christ? Even the turning point of our calendar is marked by his life. We have B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Year of our Lord). There is no one person who has made a bigger mark on history than Jesus. And there is not much room for debate about this point.
He was the long expected. Even before he was born, he was making his mark on history. Some 700 years before his coming, Isaiah would tell of his birth, life, death, and resurrection. There was a longing in the hearts of the people for a Messiah, who would give them hope. Although they did not know his name, they lived in anticipation of his coming (see Hebrews 11).
Why is Jesus so popular? Because we need him! Whether we know it or not, we all have an emptiness that can only be filled by him. Every problem we face in life is at the heart a God problem. Maybe you face a health problem, a financial problem, a relationship problem, or an emotional problem. You try to fix the problem on your own. But if you could fix the problem on your own, it would already have been fixed.
In your struggle know that to you a child is born. He is Christ the Lord. He will carry your burden. He will give you wisdom. He will overcome your obstacle. He will comfort your sorrow. He will give you peace. If you can raise you from the dead, he can lift you out of your funk.
This is why Jesus is so popular! Countless lives have been changed by him. And he will change your life! No one has made a bigger mark on history. And no one can make a bigger mark on your life. Isaiah 9:2 tells how the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light because Jesus was born. When Jesus walked this earth, people flocked to him. The reason they came was because he healed them. He fed them. He gave them hope. It’s no different today. For we know:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8, ESV)
Questions for Reflection
- Why do you think Jesus is so popular?
- How is Jesus the answer to our every problem?
- How does Jesus help you in your struggle?
- Share your comments.
Debra C. says
You write with so much hope. It’s hard not to lose faith and become disillusioned with God when He doesn’t heal, when it seems as though His promises will only be realized in the next life.