Unto Us: A Son is Given

Special Advent sermon series at The River church: "Unto Us - Christ Has Come"

Series Text: Isaiah 9:1-7 (NKJV)

November 27: Unto Us - A Light Has Shined (Salvation to all through Jesus)

December 4: Unto Us -A Child is Born (Incarnation of Jesus)

December 11: Unto Us - A Son is Given (Crucifixion of Jesus)

December 18: Unto Us - A King is Anointed (Resurrection of Jesus)

This week's focus text: Verse 

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.

Man, what a strange gift. God gave us His Son... wrapped in swaddling cloths.

Jesus, who is the Light of the World who came to bring God's salvation (Nov. 27)... who "moved into the neighborhood" and lived among us as one of us (Dec. 4)... who willingly endured torture and execution on our behalf. That's right, the One who created us is the One who taught us, and He is the One who paid the ultimate price for our redemption. How do you measure that kind of love?

Perhaps a better question... what do we do in response to that kind of love? What should we do? How should that Truth impact our heart and mind? What should it motivate us believe and do and become? What does it really mean that a son was given... given by God... given to the world?

We all know John 3:16, right? The all-too-often used phrase that has probably lost some of it's luster over the years, simply because it's become a popular drum-beat for overzealous football fans and parade goers with signs.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Here's my point: God invented Christmas by giving us the Gift that keeps on Giving, and giving, and giving. He gave us death (His) that leads to life (ours). The Son of God was born Jesus of Nazareth, and placed EVERYTHING on the table (or under the tree to keep the Christmas motif going). Quite frankly, I don't know if that verse has the power to save people by being printed on a sandwich board or t-shirt... but I do know it describes the profound Truth that begins at Christmas.

So what does it mean to accept this gift? To unwrap it? To take it out of the box and interact with it? To utilize it to its fullest potential? To live it and share it and invest ourselves in it? How do we show appreciation for this precious gift?

That's easy, really. Accept the gift by re-wrapping it and sharing it with others. Think of it as the world's biggest re-gifting program... or the world's largest White Elephant exchange! Give to God by giving your life back to Him... and to your neighbor.

He laid down everything for you. So lay down everything for Him by allowing Him to reign supreme in every facet of your being. Die to your flesh, so that He can breathe new life into you... life in the Spirit. Open your fists and let go of the junk you're carrying around... allow Him to raise you up out of the muck and mire... let Him resurrect you to kingdom life... abundant life... eternal life.

This Christmas, let's determine to celebrate Jesus' birthday by living out Galatians 2:20 in every way we know how...

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." 

After all, the story of God's Son doesn't end with his death, right? It ends with His eternal reign in the heavens. Actually it never ends whatsoever! The Son may have died, but death could not hold him. His real role is that of King of Kings. He has already begun what ultimately will come to fruition... and someday all the world will know that Jesus is Lord. In fact, He is our anointed King (Dec. 18). 

Amen. Come Lord Jesus.