Bulletins - First Baptist Church Litchfield

- - Philippians 2:5–11ESV
Here I Am To Worship
Hark The Herald Angels Sing (Mendelssohn)
- - John 1:5–11ESV
- - John 1:14ESV
Before The Skies
There Blooms A Rose In Bethlehem
So this is Christmas…
In 1971, John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono released the first post-Beatles Christmas song, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” Lennon wrote it both out of spite and as a protest against the Vietnam War. One culture commentator noted,
“He said he wrote it “because I was sick of White Christmas,” but this song also serves as a powerful protest song against the Vietnam War. This song came on the heels of two years of activism by John Lennon & Yoko Ono. They had already been spreading the message “WAR IS OVER! If You Want It – Happy Christmas from John & Yoko” on posters and such around the world.
Backing vocals on the song are also provided by the Harlem Community Choir — a powerful choice of using children to deliver an anti-war message.”
And so this is Christmas (war is over) For weak and for strong (if you want it) For rich and the poor ones (war is over) The road is so long (now) And so happy Christmas (war is over) For black and for white (if you want it) For yellow and red ones (war is over) Let's stop all the fight (now)
Lennon truly captures the deep tension of hatred that runs through humanity, often boiling over into conflict. This tension feels so woven into our lives that it almost seems natural to us. For Lennon, the greatest Christmas gift we can share is peace—a peace that we must genuinely desire and nurture for one another.
However, Lennon may not have fully grasped how elusive that kind of peace can be. The war we face isn't merely an attitude; it's a challenging condition of our existence. It's less about physical struggles and more about the battles within our spirit. Ultimately, the conflict isn't just among ourselves, but also with a God.
War has been a part of our story since the moment Cain harmed Abel in Genesis 4. Ever since we lost our sense of grace, we've found ourselves at odds not only with each other but also with God. Paul describes the hostility we naturally have toward the Lord in his letter to the Romans;
Romans 8:7–8 CSB
7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Some of your translations use "enmity," the most substantial English term that captures our natural hostility towards the Lord. Enmity, or being hostile, means being at war with God. It's natural for our flesh to struggle against God, resisting His law. As Paul mentions, this conflict can be so intense that we find it hard to submit, making it impossible to please God. Without this submission, we miss out on the peace that comes from a relationship with Him, and without peace with God, true peace on earth remains elusive.
The beauty of Christmas lies in the fact that God recognized our need for peace—with Him and with one another—and He knew we couldn't achieve this on our own. So, He lovingly crafted a plan to reach out to us, extending His olive branch of peace. He sent a Messiah to redeem us and restore our relationship with God the Father. This Messiah would bring about genuine peace on earth, triumphing over sin and death. His victory is assured, promising that the curse of sin will be reversed, allowing His people to thrive in a world free from sin, death, and conflict.
The prophet Isaiah speaks of this Messiah in his book; Isaiah 9:6-7
Isaiah 9:6–7 ESV
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.
Earlier in his book, Isaiah highlights the birth of children with special prophetic significance (7:14; 8:1–4). Now, for the third time, we’re delighted with the promise of a future birth. Some commentators suggest that this future royal child will be a direct descendant of David, destined to be declared king and guide God’s people toward a brighter era of freedom and prosperity. Many have thought of Hezekiah and Josiah as this anticipated child, but the titles attributed to this child and the vision of his kingdom are so remarkable that they truly surpass what we can associate with either Hezekiah or Josiah. Therefore, the most fitting understanding of this passage leans towards the promise of the future Messiah King.
Isaiah beautifully describes the Messiah King in Isaiah 9:6-7. This morning, I’m excited to share with you the kind of Messiah King who will end the war between God and humanity and bring genuine peace on earth!
I say the kind of King because Isaiah describes who the Messiah is and His character. He will be the perfect King, and Isaiah says as much by offering is seven attributes of the Messiah King.
Seven Attributes of the Messiah King
He is God Incarnate
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
6 For to us a child is born….
Isaiah 9:6 brings us an incredible birth announcement: for unto us a child is born! Isaiah gives us a wonderful insight, letting us know that the Messiah would be truly special as he would be a human being born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). He will come into the world as a human, yet he will have a unique nature that sets him apart from all of humanity.
In Isaiah 9:6, we find a beautiful reminder that the Messiah will enter our world humbly as a child, yet he will be known as the Mighty God. This means that while he will be conceived and grow in the womb, developing just like any other babe, he will be born into the world as a human being, all the while being divine. He truly is God incarnate.
The term incarnation means “en-fleshment,” or even better, “embodiment in flesh.” Earlier, many thought of Hezekiah and Josiah as this long-awaited child. However, the way Isaiah describes this child and the extraordinary vision of his kingdom goes far beyond any associations we might have with Hezekiah or Josiah. As you continue to read the Old Testament, you’ll look for any other child born like this—and you will find none. It’s only when you dive into the New Testament that you discover a child conceived by the holy Spirit, born of a virgin, who is recognized by heaven as Immanuel. This is the wondrous birth of Jesus!
John says Jesus is God incarnate.
John 1:1–3 ESV
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:14 ESV
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Luke says Jesus’ conception was supernatural;
Luke 1:35 ESV
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.
Matthew quotes Isaiah, and tells us that Jesus was born of a virgin;
Matthew 1:22–23 ESV
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
God is with us. God left heaven to become what he made. For God to end the war between us and Himself, he had to come down as a human being. I have two questions? What was the consequence of his incarnation? Why was it necessary?
The consequence of the incarnation is suffering.
When God committed to sending the Messiah in human form, He understood that this meant suffering. In chapter 53, Isaiah designates the Messiah as the Suffering Servant and depicts the experiences He will face upon arriving on Earth:
Isaiah 53:1–12 CSB
1 Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 He grew up before him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at him, no appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him. 4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds. 6 We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth. 8 He was taken away because of oppression and judgment, and who considered his fate? For he was cut off from the land of the living; he was struck because of my people’s rebellion. 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, but he was with a rich man at his death, because he had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully. 10 Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely. When you make him a guilt offering, he will see his seed, he will prolong his days, and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished. 11 After his anguish, he will see light and be satisfied. By his knowledge, my righteous servant will justify many, and he will carry their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will give him the many as a portion, and he will receive the mighty as spoil, because he willingly submitted to death, and was counted among the rebels; yet he bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels.
In a similar manner to Isaiah, Paul discusses the implications of the incarnation for the Philippian church after the cross:
Philippians 2:6–11 CSB
6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
To be the peacemaker between God and man, the Messiah was ordained to suffer. By why? Why was the incarnation necessary?
The incarnation was necessary for our complete atonement and reconciliation with God through his death.
Sin runs deep. It cannot be washed by the waters of baptism. The Bible says the only way we can have the forgiveness of sins is through the shedding of blood Hebrews 9:22.
The blood, however, cannot be animal blood. Animal blood was never sufficient to completley atone for our sins. The blood had to come from a divine person who could be both human and the perfect fulfiller of God’s law, and Paul says this was God’s Son.
Isaiah says, a son was given. Whose Son? God’s Son. Paul says,
Paul says
Romans 8:3–4 ESV
3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Paul goes on to say about God’s Son, Jesus,
Romans 5:17–19 ESV
17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Paul shares that Jesus’ death on the cross brings us back to God and makes us pure and blameless (Col 1:22).
The incarnation was such a meaningful event because it allowed God’s Son, the Messiah, the Christ, to become the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Thanks to His incredible life, death, and resurrection, our sins are forgiven, as far as the east is from the west. This beautiful gift of full forgiveness brings us into harmony with God; we are no longer His enemies but embraced as His children in a loving family.
As you gather on Christmas morning to celebrate the wonderful gifts, remember in your heart… a child was born; God incarnate. Encourage your children to appreciate the significance of the incarnation and why it was so essential.
Robert Kauflin and Jason Hansen capture the promised incarnation of God so well in their song God Made Low:
Prophets promised long ago A King would come to bring us hope And now a virgin bears a son The time to save the world has come
Humble shepherds run in haste To see the One the angels praised In cattle stall, they find a girl Who holds the hope of all the world
As He sleeps upon the hay He holds the moon and stars in place Though born an infant, He remains The sovereign God of endless days
For all our sins, one day He'll die To make us sons of God on high Let every heart prepare Him room The promises have all come true
Emmanuel has come to us The Christ is born! Hallelujah! Our God made low to raise us up Emmanuel has come to us
He is the King
Isaiah says, Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder...
Isaiah 9:7 ESV
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.
Let's take a moment to reflect on the beautiful themes found in verses 6-7: government, throne, and kingdom. This son is the cherished promise from David (2Sa 7:12–13), destined to reign forever and ever (Isa 9:7). Even though Israel had yet to see a king who embodied perfect justice and righteousness, a wonderful time is coming when a special child will be born, perfectly fulfilling the lovely hope expressed in Isaiah 9:1–7.
Andrew Davis beautifully shares, “on the shoulders of this child is laid the weight of the government of his people. He at last is the answer to the quest for a perfect and lasting government. His shoulders will bear that weight, and they will not buckle.”
I truly appreciate how Isaiah presents the Messiah in such a striking contrast. On one hand, he is a child, gentle and meek, like a lamb ready for sacrifice. On the other hand, he is the root of Jesse, the King of David, the mighty Lion of Judah. John also beautifully captures this imagery in Revelation:
Revelation 5:5 ESV
5 And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
Revelation 5:6 ESV
6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
Verse six describes the King this child will be: a wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, and prince of peace. Next week, we will explore what it means for the Messiah King to embody these titles.
As we close, I want you to remember that Isaiah says to you and I,
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given..
Jesus did not just come. He was sent. God gave him. Luke says in his gospel, Luke 2:11
Luke 2:11 (CSB)
11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
Christmas reminds us of the deep love of the Father.
John 3:16 (ESV)
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
God’s son, the king of kings and lord of lords, entered our world as a child, fully human and fully divine, just for you. He came to bring light into your darkness and gave himself on the cross so that you can find peace with God. To ensure that you have eternal life and do not perish, he took on flesh, shed his blood on the cross, received the wrath of God in your place, faced a sinner's death, and rose from the dead victorious over sin, Satan, and the grave. Right now, he offers his wonderful gift of salvation to you. You can experience the hope and joy of Christmas by repenting of and confessing your sin. Surrender your life to Jesus and call upon him to save you. Ask for forgiveness, and he is faithful and just to forgive you. Believe in your heart that he is Lord and that God raised him from the dead. You will be saved, embraced as his own, and blessed with eternal life. You will know the Messiah, and you will truly know his life. Knowing His life is knowing His peace, which surpasses all understanding and ensuring the war is over for those in the Son.
Context
Isaiah was writing nearly 800 years before Christ. This period of history was tumultuous as the Assyrians were on the march, taking people into captivity by droves. Isaiah’s prophecy gave the people of God a hope they so desperately needed: a Child would be born to fulfill the Davidic Covenant, and He would bear the titles “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The Child was Christ; the prophecy will reach its consummation at Christ’s second coming.
In the first eight chapters of Isaiah’s book, human kings have been full of folly and lacked spiritual discernment such as Ahaz. In Isaiah 1:26, God promises to restore his people’s wicked judges and foolish counselors in the coming kingdom. In Isaiah 5:21, God pronounces a woe to those who are wise in their own eyes. Human beings are naturally foolish, and our leadership reflects that truth. By contrast, the coming King will be a wonder of a counselor.
As a wonderful counselor, he will be like a sage with extraordinary wisdom. It will be supernatural. It know no end and baffle the human mind. For example, God’s wisdom finds strength in weakness, victory in surrender, life in death, peace in the struggle.
He is the Wonderful Counselor
The Messiah will be “Wonderful”
The word “wonderful means “incomprehensible.” It is used one other time in the book of Judges when Samsons father wanted to know the name of the Angel of the Lord he was prophesying about his son. The angel says,
Judges 13:18 ESV
18 And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?”
What the Angel of the Lord means is, Why do you ask my name? It is beyond your comprehension. It even carries the idea of being supernatural, a wonder. The word wonder is used in Exodus 3:20 to describe the ten supernatural plagues God will bring upon Egypt.
Exodus 3:20 ESV
20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go.
Jesus revealed His wonder in many beautiful ways during His time on earth, starting with His miraculous conception in the womb of a virgin (Matthew 1:23). He revealed that He is truly the “wonderful” One through His extraordinary healing powers (Matthew 4:23), His authoritative teachings (Mark 1:22), His perfect life (Hebrews 4:15), and His triumphant resurrection from the dead (Mark 16:6). Jesus showed depth in his teachings which challenge man’s fallen way of thinking: “Blessed are those who mourn” (Matthew 5:4). “Rejoice and be glad” during times of persecution (Matthew 5:11–12). “Love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). The kind of wonder that Jesus embodies is truly awe-inspiring and surpasses all others, for He is perfect in every way (Matthew 5:48). Jesus is the wonderful Messiah, who is also called counselor.
The Messiah will be a Wonderful Counselor
The word for counselor denotes the idea of “the one who counsels wonders”. It is a title given to to royalty such as Micah 4:9. In the context of kings, it is often used to indicate great wisdom for military strategy and victory over ones enemies. In Isaiah 11:2, Isaiah says the Messiah will have the Holy Spirit who will empower him with great wisdom,
Isaiah 11:2 ESV
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
and again, Isaiah uses the word to describe the Lord in Isaiah 28:29
Isaiah 28:29 ESV
29 This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.
The Messiah King possesses incredible power to perform signs and wonders, and His guidance is truly beyond what any human could offer. Jesus is our wise counselor. As it says, "He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person” (John 2:25). He offers wisdom so thoroughly because He is qualified in ways no human advisor can match. In Christ, "hidden are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3), which includes a profound understanding of human nature (Psalm 139:1–2). Jesus is always aware of what we are facing, and He continually knows the best way to help us (Hebrews 4:15–16).
In the Bible, King Solomon was often recognized for his extraordinary wisdom, yet even his wisdom paled in comparison to Christ's. Jesus, the embodiment of wisdom, taught us about love, humility, and the Kingdom of God. He challenged conventional wisdom, calling us to seek first the kingdom and to trust Him in all our decisions. Following Jesus leads to greater understanding than the world offers, but even greater than that, for those who are in Christ Jesus, Paul says we have the mind of Christ because you have His Spirit living inside you.
Jesus told his disciples that he must return to the Father so he could send His Spirit.
John 16:7–13 ESV
7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
Just before his ascension into heaven Jesus promised his disciples
Acts 1:8 ESV
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
At Pentecost, every believer received the fulfillment of this promise. If you are in Christ, he is in you. You have His Spirit. I love the way Oswald Chambers describes the proximity of the Holy Spirit in your life. Chambers says,
The Holy Spirit cannot be located as a guest in a house. He invades everything.
Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)
There is nothing in your life the Spirit does not speak truth. Moreover, He enables you to be wise in the important spiritual things of God. Paul says,
1 Corinthians 2:14–16 ESV
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
The Wonderful Counselor gives his His Spirit to be our wonderful counselor. Jesus is the Messiah, our Wonderful Counselor.
He is the Mighty God
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
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.
The title “Mighty God” is a reference to his deity. Every time it is used in the Old Testament, it refers to Yahweh. For example,
Isaiah 10:21 ESV
21 A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God.
Deuteronomy 10:17 ESV
17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.
Jeremiah 32:18 ESV
18 You show steadfast love to thousands, but you repay the guilt of fathers to their children after them, O great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord of hosts,
The Messiah will be fully divine, God who came down in the flesh. He is a mighty God. The Hebrew phrase used in our text also conveys the idea of a great hero. His power will be so great he will be like a warrior king who is able to save his people. As John Oswalt says, “This king will have God’s true might about him, power so great that it can absorb all the evil which can be hurled at it until none is left to hurl (Isaiah 53:2–10; 59:15–20; 63:1–9; Oswalt, John N).
Isaiah, once again describes the Messiah as a warrior King who is so powerful He can absorb all the evil thrown at him until none is left. For example,
Isaiah 59:15–20 ESV
15 Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. 16 He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. 17 He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. 18 According to their deeds, so will he repay, wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies; to the coastlands he will render repayment. 19 So they shall fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the Lord drives. 20 “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord.
A few chapters later, Isaiah describes the Messiah Warrior King,
Isaiah 63:1–9 ESV
1 Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.” 2 Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the winepress? 3 “I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel. 4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come. 5 I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold; so my own arm brought me salvation, and my wrath upheld me. 6 I trampled down the peoples in my anger; I made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.” 7 I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. 8 For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely.” And he became their Savior. 9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
Jesus is the Messiah King, almighty God, who is a hero to his people. Jesus demonstrates his might as the Light of the World, a light so great the darkness cannot overcome it. Jesus conquers the darkness by destroying the works of Satan. Jesus exercises authority over the demons by casting them out of his broken image bearers. Jesus heals the sick of their infirmities. When Jesus sees our brokenness his might is not without compassion. At his command fevers stop, the lame can walk, the deaf can hear, the blind can see, and the disabled become abled. When Jesus looks upon the hungry, thousands are fed with as little as five loaves and two fish. When the storms rage in us and around us, the winds and seas, the fears and anxieties, obey his voice to settle down and be still. When God looked upon our wicked treason against Him and saw the depth our evil as sinners, He sent Jesus as His Messiah, our Messiah who was able to absorb all of our evil and the wrath it deserves on the cross. Jesus is almighty God, our great hero, whose life, death, and resurrection is mighty to save sinners like you and I.
Come and see the inconceivable And believe the unbelievable God has come to dwell with us Begotten Son born into Adam’s earth Promised One fulfilling ancient words God has come to dwell with us
He will heal the unhealable He will save the unsavable God has come to dwell with us Heaven’s joy will drink our bitter cup Emptied out as He is lifted up God has come to dwell with us
Who could ever know the depths Of the myst’ry of Your grace? Though our minds can’t take it in Lord, our hearts are filled with praise
Lord, we’re lost in overwhelming awe At the thought of such amazing love God has come, God has come God has come to dwell with us (Steve and Vicki Cook, The Unbelievable, 2014 CCLI: #7031879)
He is the Everlasting Father
Many kings try to show a fatherly touch in their leadership, but unfortunately, many struggle to do so effectively. Even the kindest kings can only provide limited paternal care because, after all, they are only human. They might rule for many years, but eventually, they all must confront the reality of death. This is where the Messiah King stands out.
Isaiah describes him as the everlasting father. The word everlasting means eternal. Once again, this speaks to the supernatural divine nature of the Messiah. He will be eternal. His kingdom and rule will be eternal. Isaiah says,
Isaiah 9:7 CSB
7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.
He will lead and rule like the loving guidance of a good father. What will that look like?
Jesus describes this kind His Father often in the Gospels. Jesus points out:
God the Father is an excellent provider. Matthew 6:25-32
Matthew 6:25–32 ESV
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
The Father is an excellent protector of his sheep. Not one will be lost!
Matthew 18:12–14 ESV
12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
God the Father is an excellent peacemaker. He gave his Son to ensure the forgiveness of our sins.
Luke 23:34 ESV
34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
The Father is an excellent Father who freely gives his adopted children a full eternal inheritance.
Romans 8:15–17 ESV
15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Andrew Davis recognizes that ascribing fatherhood to Jesus is unusual, given that we usually reserve it for God the Father; but Jesus does play a fatherly role toward his disciples, for he often used “son” or “daughter” when addressing others affectionately. For example, when Jesus healed the paralytic, Matthew records Matt 9:2,
Matthew 9:2 ESV
2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”
When he healed the woman who touched his garment,
Mark 5:34 ESV
34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
Furthermore, notice how all the excellencies of the goodness of the Father cannot be without the Son. Jesus provides for our needs, protects our salvation, grants us peaces through the forgiveness of sins, and seals our inheritance for all eternity.
He is the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6)
The Messiah King’s final title is his most prominent one. He is the Prince of Peace. The Messiah King’s rule will bring everlasting peace to the world. He will rule the world, not with brute force, but with truth, kindness, and wisdom. The Messiah King will reconcile God to man, and man to his brother. Darkness will be conquered entirely by his light. Evil will be erased. Justice will prevail over all creation. The Messiah King will bring a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Through this Messiah, God will bring reconciliation between Himself and man that will then make possible reconciliation between man and man. His righteousness, Isaiah says, will be the means that brings peace.
Isaiah 32:17 ESV
17 And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
The fruit of his righteous peace will be healing for us.
Isaiah 53:5 ESV
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 57:18–19 ESV
18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, 19 creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him.
Isaiah 66:12 ESV
12 For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees.
Jesus is the righteous Messiah. He is the Prince of peace. When the angels announced his birth from the heavens, the cried out,
Luke 2:14 ESV
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Jesus told his disciples that he must be crucified so they could experience true everlasting peace through his power to overcome the world,
John 16:33 ESV
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus’ righteous sacrifice was accepted by the Father and He arose from the dead, conquering sin and death for eternity.
When Jesus encourages his disciples to not be troubled, he promises that He will send his Spirit so they could know and experience a peace that the world cannot offer them.
John 14:26–27 ESV
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Jesus sent his Spirit to his followers after he rose from the grace and ascended into heaven.
Paul describes the effective power of the peace of Christ to guard your heart in his letter to the Philippian church.
Philippians 4:7 ESV
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Jesus is was God incarnate. Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah King. Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. Jesus is the Mighty God. Jesus is the everlasting Father. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Jesus is the promised Messiah King whom Isaiah spoke of, and whose Kingdom will have no end.
His kingdom will have no end (Isaiah 9:7)
Isaiah 9:7 ESV
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.
Andrew Davis helps me sum this point up well. Paraphrasing from his commentary, I want you to imagine the beauty of his perfect kingdom. Verse 7 paints such a magnificent picture! The CSB beautifully puts it: “The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end.” That’s a lovely translation, but the more well-known KJV really brings it to life: “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end” (emphasis added). So, what does this “increase” of Christ’s government really mean? How can it be that it will never end? The Hebrew word translated as “increase” (or “vast”) suggests a sense of ever-growing abundance (7:22), a remarkable multiplication (Gen 1:28). This means that an endless flow of prosperity will characterize Christ’s kingdom! You might wonder how that works in heaven, especially since there won’t be babies born or procreation any longer (Matt 22:30). I believe that in heaven, Christ’s subjects will be morally perfect and will retain all they have learned; but they’ll still be learning, always growing in their appreciation of the greatness of Christ’s person and achievements. Our love for him and our enthusiastic, knowledgeable worship will keep on expanding!
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, fulfilling the beautiful promises made to David (2 Sam 7:13, 16). God assured David that a son from his own lineage would sit on a throne established forever. Jesus beautifully fulfills that promise by reigning as the Son of David (Matt 1:1) eternally. And can you imagine? David himself will be on his face before his infinitely greater Son, worshiping him together with all the redeemed forever. Jesus will “establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness.” His kingdom will reflect his own perfect character, as described in Hebrews 1:8–9: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness." Essentially, a perfectly righteous King who cherishes righteousness and despises wickedness will ensure that those very qualities will define his kingdom forever, protecting the poor and needy rather than exploiting them.
This wonderful kingdom was established the moment Christ came to earth, and it will never end. So, what reassures us that these incredible things will absolutely happen? “The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.” God’s passionate commitment to the glory of his Son guarantees that it will all unfold forever, and no power in heaven, earth, or anywhere below can ever stop it.
The war will be over, forever. Jesus will reign will never be threatened. At the second Advent, when Jesus returns, John assures us, Jesus destroys Satan, sin, and death in the eternal lake of fire
- - Romans 8:7–8ESV
- - Isaiah 9:6–7ESV
- - John 1:1–3ESV
- - John 1:14ESV
- - Luke 1:35ESV
- - Matthew 1:22–23ESV
- - Isaiah 53:1–12ESV
- - Philippians 2:6–11ESV
- - Romans 8:3–4ESV
- - Romans 5:17–19ESV
- - Isaiah 9:7ESV
- - Revelation 5:5ESV
- - Revelation 5:6ESV
- - Titus 3:4–5ESV
- - John 1:29ESV
O Holy Night

Philippians 2:5–11ESV

John 1:5–11ESV

John 1:14ESV

So this is Christmas…

Seven Attributes of the Messiah King

He is God Incarnate

The consequence of the incarnation is suffering.

He is the King

Context

He is the Wonderful Counselor

The Messiah will be “Wonderful”

The Messiah will be a Wonderful Counselor

He is the Mighty God

He is the Everlasting Father

God the Father is an excellent provider. Matthew 6:25-32

The Father is an excellent protector of his sheep. Not one will be lost!

God the Father is an excellent peacemaker. He gave his Son to ensure the forgiveness of our sins.

The Father is an excellent Father who freely gives his adopted children a full eternal inheritance.

He is the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6)

His kingdom will have no end (Isaiah 9:7)

Romans 8:7–8ESV

Isaiah 9:6–7ESV

John 1:1–3ESV

John 1:14ESV

Luke 1:35ESV

Matthew 1:22–23ESV

Isaiah 53:1–12ESV

Philippians 2:6–11ESV

Romans 8:3–4ESV

Romans 5:17–19ESV

Isaiah 9:7ESV

Revelation 5:5ESV

Revelation 5:6ESV

Titus 3:4–5ESV

John 1:29ESV