” 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 NKJV
The birth of Jesus Christ was prophesied many years before He was born. You can even find a foreshadowing of Jesus in Genesis 3 with the fall of man in the Garden of Eden:
” And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3: 15 NKJV
In this section of the Bible, we see that sin has entered the world but we also see a foreshadowing of how Jesus would die on a cross for the sins of the world (you shall bruise His heel) and would come back to life again(He shall bruise your head). The people of Israel had faced hardship under Roman rule and the promise of a Messiah and King who would save them and bring peace gave them great hope. They waited many years for the Messiah. Then Jesus was born and the world would be changed forever!
This year has been difficult for many people. With the impact of the Coronavirus, economic hardship, and elections, just to name a few things this year has seen, I believe many people are longing for some hope. It is so sad to hear that depression and sucicide has skyrocketed. We look to so many places to try and find hope, such as a relationship, alcohol, drugs, a president, or the government. You and I will never find true hope and peace in any of these. There is only One who is always consistent, never leaves, offers true peace, offers true joy, and offers true love, and that is Jesus. Maybe you are one of those who are looking for hope amongst all the hardship and craziness of 2020, but there is great reason to rejoice because you can find the hope you are longing for in Jesus. The good news of Christmas is that a Savior and Messiah did come to this earth and lived a perfect life, free of sin, and then died on a cross so that we may have forgiveness for all of our sins, have a right relationship with God, and know that each and every one of us is loved by God. Furthermore, Jesus rose again and will one day come back for His people. That is better than any wrapped gift you could ever receive for Christmas!
I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Much love,
Melyssa