The Gift that Keeps on Giving
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” Isaiah 9:6a (KJV, emphasis added)
When we are occasionally occupied with various observances on the Christian calendar such as Advent, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, they are each connected to certain passages in Scripture. As it pertains to Advent and Christmas, Isaiah 9:6 is attached to the season and abundantly applied to cards and posters. Because of our celebration of Christmas this week, I have chosen the word “given” captured in Isaiah 9:6 for today’s discussion.
The Definition of Given
Given (NAH-THAN) encompasses several meanings including to consecrate, pay wages and deliver up. Ponder the following passages for they point to various proponents of the word “giving”.
“And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.” Exodus 30:30 (KJV, emphasis added)
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (KJV, emphasis added)
“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32 (KJV, emphasis added)
I will now forward five reasons why the Child, Jesus Christ, was given.
A child was given: to grant us God’s Grace.
Grace is introduced to us in the first and last books of the Bible: Genesis 9:6 and Revelation 22:21. Early in our human history we needed grace. Then the last words of the New Testament speak of grace, because grace gives us the idea of a Good God in exchange with a sinful man. This is the foundation that is fixed to the New Covenant. God’s grace rewards us with salvation as well as a relationship with a Righteous God. In addition, grace guides and redirect our lives and rescues us from our rebellion against a Righteous and Holy God.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11-12 (KJV, emphasis added)
A child was given: to grab and get rid of our Iniquity
Iniquity is defined as perversity and depravity.
“How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.” Job 13:23 (KJV)
A child was given: to give us Victory
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victorythrough our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1Corinthians 15:57 (KJV)
A child was given: to experience Everlasting life
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24 (KJV)
A child was given: as a guarantee to meet our Need
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
I submit to you that a Child was given so we could engage in righteous living. He is indeed the gift that keeps on giving!
Have a Memorable, Meaningful and Master-minded CHRISTMAS!
Not a Sermon But a Thought,
PBKSR