Christmas is a Well-Fed, Peaceful, Childbirth
[2] The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
[3] You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
[4] For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
[5] For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
[6] For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
[7] Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (ESV)
Merry Christmas! It doesn’t bring visions of us dividing the spoil and burning up army uniforms, does it?
In ancient culture, there were three things that were just about the most looney — go nuts and shout — happiest things that could ever happen.
- An abundant harvest
- Peace after war
- Giving birth to a son
An abundant harvest, before the days of Del Monte and the supermarket, meant you weren’t going to starve this year. It might even mean that you’ll prosper and grow.
Peace after a war meant hope and joy for the future. You had confidence that your sons would grow up, your daughters would be happy and safe, and you might have a chance at an abundant harvest next year. To burn up the weapons and war-clothes meant you were certain you wouldn’t need them again.
And to have a son was a big deal because that meant that the family name would be passed down. The legacy of your family, you possessions, your land, etc. would all be carried on for another generation. You would need sons to fight in wars and sons to plant and grow a harvest, so you can see all of these blessings are stacking multipliers.
The richness of a harvest.
The peace at the end of a war.
The longevity and strength of a son.
It call came at once when Jesus was born. You would think that would make a dad (God the Father) proud, but He didn’t send His son for Himself. He sent His Son for us!
Jesus was born to us. The Son was given to us. The throne, the kingdom, the counsel, all for us to share it all with Him.
That is why we celebrate Christmas. May yours be great.
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