A NEW HOPE

• Have you ever made a prediction that came true? Tell us about it.

• Why didn’t more people recognize Jesus as the Messiah, especially since he fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies?

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 greatness 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.

Isaiah 9:6-7

Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah predicted the coming of one who would shake the earth to its very foundations. He would arrive as a child—a Son, but not just any Son. He would be the Son of David, a descendant of Israel’s beloved king. He would be a Wonderful Counselor, a king capable of carrying out a royal plan that would change the world.

And then Isaiah dropped the bombshell: This child would be Mighty God himself, a warrior with unmatched power. He would be the Everlasting Father, whose kingdom would endure forever. He would be the Prince of Peace, the one who ends conflict and strife. The peace he offered would last forever.

And when that much-anticipated child arrived 700 years later, no one was there to greet him but his mother and stepfather, a few shepherds and some barn animals. When he talked about his kingdom, he was mocked. When he revealed his identity, he was killed. Yet he was everything Isaiah said he would be. And if we believe in him, we will enjoy his kingdom forever.

On this Christmas Eve, we celebrate the arrival of Isaiah’s prophesied child, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

PRAYER

Dear God, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of your Son tomorrow, we thank you for your plan of salvation. Jesus came to save us from our sin. That’s what we really celebrate this Christmas. Amen.