“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.” Isaiah 9:6

When through Isaiah, God reiterated His promise concerning a Deliverer, He gave some rather pertinent info about Him and about His own character as well. Note the following:

The Messiah came for us—”us” being the people God purposed to save [Matt.1:21]. He did not come for the purpose of establishing a new religion, or to issue a new code of law. He did all that He did for God’s glory, but in so doing, He came for us. [Think on that for a moment!]

The Messiah came as a child. Other great world leaders all began as children, but of which of them was their birth significant? The birth of Christ is easily as important as His teachings or even His passion and resurrection.

God’s chosen Deliverer is none other than His only begotten Son. While Jesus was fully human, it was imperative that He be fully God as well, or else He would not be sinless, and therefore unworthy to die for our sins.

The Messiah was given. God gives. Why? Because He loves the world so [John 3:16]. And God’s giving did not end at the Messiah’s birth. Jesus gave in life when He taught and healed, and He gave in death when He offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice for the payment of our debt of sin. What do we have that God has not given?

As we celebrate this Advent this year, let us endeavor to keep thoughts of Christ resident on our memory.