For Unto Us A Child Is Born

For Unto Us a Child Is Born

The Christmas season is a beautiful time to reflect on the story of Jesus' birth, a moment in history that changed the world forever. Isaiah 9:6 declares, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given..." This simple yet profound truth is the foundation of our celebration. In this post, let’s walk through some powerful themes that remind us of God's incredible plan and what Christmas truly means.

1. Preparedness

God is always prepared. Long before Jesus' arrival, God set everything in motion, carefully orchestrating events to fulfill His promises. We see this in the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist. In Luke 1:5-25, God used their faithfulness and His power to prepare the way for Jesus. John’s role would be to make the path straight for the Savior. Similarly, God worked a miracle in Mary, choosing her to bear His Son. These events remind us that nothing is left to chance; God’s plan is perfect, and His preparation is intentional.

2. Obedience and Faith

Faith is one of the most profound aspects of our walk with God, yet it can also be one of the most difficult to fully embrace. We want to trust Him in all things, but when life is uncertain or when His plans don’t align with our expectations, doubt often creeps in. The story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that faith is not just believing in what is seen, but in the unseen work of God’s hands.

At the time of Jesus’ birth, the world was in a state of darkness. It had been centuries since the people of Israel had heard a prophetic word from God. Hope felt distant, and many wondered if God was still near. Yet, in the midst of this silence, God was preparing to send His Son into the world in the most unexpected way.

Mary’s Faith

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, a young, humble girl in Nazareth, he brought startling news: she would bear a child who would be the Savior of the world. This news came with great promise but also great challenges. In her culture, purity was of utmost importance, and Mary’s pregnancy would raise questions and judgment. She risked being ostracized by her community, misunderstood by her family, and rejected by Joseph, her fiancé.

Despite all of this, Mary’s response was filled with faith and surrender: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Her words are a powerful testament to trusting God’s plan, even when it seems impossible. Mary didn’t ask for all the details or guarantees. She believed in God’s faithfulness and chose to obey.

Her faith challenges us to approach God with the same willingness to trust Him, even when we don’t understand the path He has laid out for us. Whether we are facing uncertainty in our careers, relationships, or health, we can look to Mary’s example and find the courage to say, “Lord, I am Your servant.”

Joseph’s Obedience

Joseph’s role in the story of Jesus’ birth also teaches us about obedience. When Joseph learned of Mary’s pregnancy, he initially planned to quietly end their engagement, not wanting to disgrace her publicly. But God intervened. In a dream, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, saying: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20).

Joseph could have ignored the angel’s command. He could have given in to fear, societal expectations, or his own doubts. But instead, he chose obedience. He took Mary as his wife, protected her, and became the earthly father to Jesus, embracing the role God had called him to fulfill.

Joseph’s actions remind us that obedience often requires us to set aside our fears and surrender our plans to God. It is not always easy to follow His voice, especially when it leads us into unknown or challenging territory. But as Joseph’s story shows, obedience brings us into alignment with God’s greater purpose.

As we reflect on their example this Christmas season, let us ask ourselves: Where is God calling us to trust Him more deeply? What areas of our lives require the kind of bold obedience that Mary and Joseph displayed? May we have the courage to surrender to His will, knowing that His plans are far greater than anything we could imagine.

Faith is not just believing that God can; it is living as though He will. Let us walk in obedience, trusting Him to guide us, strengthen us, and fulfill His promises in our lives.

3. Praise

When Mary visited Elizabeth, she received a powerful confirmation of her role in God’s divine plan. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognized that Mary was carrying the Savior of the world and exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:42). This affirmation led Mary to respond with a song of praise known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).

Mary’s song is a beautiful expression of gratitude, humility, and awe at God’s greatness. She begins with the words, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Her praise is not focused on her circumstances, which were undoubtedly filled with challenges, but on the faithfulness and mercy of God.

This season, we are reminded to take time to praise God, not just for the blessings we have received but for who He is. Praise shifts our perspective from our struggles to God’s sovereignty. It reminds us of His unchanging nature and His eternal plan for our lives.

Mary’s song also highlights the humility of God’s work. She praises Him for exalting the humble, filling the hungry, and bringing down the proud (Luke 1:52-53). Her words remind us that God’s ways are not like ours. He works through the ordinary, the unexpected, and the overlooked to accomplish extraordinary things.

Let us follow Mary’s example and let our hearts overflow with praise this Christmas. As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, let us glorify God for His mercy, His faithfulness, and His love that endures forever.

4. Worship

The story of the Magi, or wise men, in Matthew 2:1-12 is one of the most profound examples of worship in the Christmas narrative. These scholars traveled a great distance, following a star that signified the birth of the Savior. Their journey was not just a physical one but a spiritual act of seeking and devotion.

When they finally found Jesus, they “fell down and worshiped Him” (Matthew 2:11). This act of humble worship speaks volumes. These were men of knowledge, wealth, and status, yet they bowed before a child in a manger. They recognized that Jesus was no ordinary king but the King of Kings, worthy of their deepest reverence.

Their worship didn’t stop at bowing. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—treasures that symbolized Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and sacrifice. Their actions remind us that true worship involves both our hearts and our offerings.

Worship is not about us; it begins with God. It is a response to His goodness, His revelation, and His presence in our lives. The Magi worshiped because they recognized the greatness of God in sending His Son to the world.

Today, we can worship in many ways: through prayer, singing, serving others, or simply reflecting on God’s glory. Worship doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. It can be as simple as taking a moment to marvel at the beauty of creation, the laughter of loved ones, or the joy of this season.

Humble worship is especially important to remember during Christmas. Like the Magi, we are called to set aside distractions, fears, and worldly concerns to focus solely on Jesus. If you’re feeling disconnected this season, ask yourself: Have I made space to worship? Have I humbled my heart before God, allowing Him to fill me with His joy and peace?

Christmas is the perfect time to rekindle your worship. Let the birth of Jesus remind you that God’s love is personal, powerful, and present. As you worship the King of Kings, may your soul be renewed and your heart filled with the true reason for the season: the joy of knowing that Christ has come.

5. Immanuel: God With Us

I’ve always enjoyed hearing the stories behind how parents choose their children’s names. Some follow family traditions, others look for unique names, and some wait to see their baby before deciding. Names carry such meaning, and Jesus’ name is no exception. In Matthew 1:23, the angel tells Joseph to name the child Immanuel, which means "God with us."

This name encapsulates the heart of Christmas: God’s desire to be with His people. Jesus’ birth marked the beginning of God’s physical presence on earth, and today, the Holy Spirit continues to live within us as believers. No matter our circumstances, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us, always. Immanuel is more than a name; it’s a declaration of God’s everlasting love and presence.

As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember that it’s not about the gifts, the decorations, or even the gatherings. It’s about honoring and worshiping Jesus, the King of Kings, who came to earth as a baby to save us. Reflect on His preparedness, His honor, and His call for obedience and faith. Let praise and worship fill your heart as you meditate on the truth of Immanuel—God with us.

This season, take time to humbly worship the Savior and celebrate the true reason for this time of year. The King of Kings has been born! Rejoice in His love, His presence, and the incredible gift of salvation. Let your heart be filled with the joy and peace that only He can bring.