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| December 25, 2000 |
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| "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!" "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 The Gift-Child in this passage is the same divine Child as Immanuel ~ God with us! "Wonderful, Counselor" ~ A wonder is indicative of a miracle. Counselor is often used in parallel with king. Thus miraculous counsel is given by this God-like King. "The mighty God" (El Gibor) is the strongest of these titles. In Isaiah, El is always used of God and never refers to man. Gibor means "Hero." Together thet describe One who is indeed God Himself. "Everlasting Father" literally means Father of Eternity. He alone is the source of eternal life. "Prince of Peace" indicates that the mighty God will be a benevolent ruler bringing eternal peace on earth through the establishment of His Kingdom. Thus the obscure figure of Immanuel is now brought to clear light: He is Himself God incarnate! Christmas is the celebration of the keeping of a promise ~ A saving promise! God Bless You. |