For unto us a child is born… Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
”The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…
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.” Isaiah 9:2-7 (NIV)
“Oh, wonder of wonders! Manger of Bethlehem, miracles have poured into you. This is a sight that surpasses all others. Talk of the sun, moon, and stars; consider the heavens, the work of God’s fingers, the moon and the stars that he has ordained; but all the wonders of the universe shrink into nothing, when we come to the mystery of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ…
There have been sights matchless and wonderful, at which we might look for years, and yet turn away and say, “I cannot understand this…” But all things are as nothing, compared with the incarnation of the Son of God. The Angels never cease to tell the astonishing story, and to tell it with increasing astonishment too, that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary, and became a man. Is he not rightly called Wonderful?
Infinite, and an infant — eternal, and yet born of a woman — Almighty, and yet hanging on a woman's breast — supporting the universe, and yet needing to be carried in a mother's arms — king of angels, and yet the reputed son of Joseph — heir of all things and yet the carpenter's despised son. Wonderful are you, Oh Jesus, and shall your name be forever.”
CH Spurgeon
(the above words were taken, and slightly shortened, from a message that Charles Spurgeon preached on September 19, 1858, at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens… I was completely and beautifully undone by it…)
Wherever you find yourself on this Christmas Day, we pray that you feel the overwhelming love of Jesus.
Give thanks for what you have, make peace with where you are, hold your loved ones tightly, and behold the wonder of our infinite, personal, eternal, gracious saviour… who was born to you, me… us.
Merry Christmas.