December 16: PROPHECIES OF HIS BIRTH

As we are only 9 days now from celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus, I want to remind us of some basic truths. Questions for your consideration first: What hopes and expectations did Jesus meet? What longing did He fulfill? What questions did He answer? What unexpressed feelings did He revive? The Apostle Paul explains, “But when the time had fully come, God sent his son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons”. (Galatians 4:4-5a)
Five prophecies we need to review: He will be born in Bethlehem according to Micah 5:2. “But you, Bethlehem, though you are small, out of you will come one to rule Israel”. God uses the little and insignificant to carry out His plan! God’s ways are not our ways, outward appearance means nothing.
Secondly, God said Jesus would be a Righteous Branch from David’s line. (Jeremiah 33:15-16) So many Kings and Priests had failed God in their appointed missions that the people longed for a King to rule in righteousness.
Thirdly, Isaiah 7:14 says, “the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son.” Better is a Divine Conception than a Virgin Birth. God is in control! This is God’s plan to get where we are! Call the Virgin’s offspring “Immanuel”, which means, “God is with us!”
Fourthly, our King Jesus will be a perfect King. We can go to Him whenever we wish because He is a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Then, in Matthew 1:21 the prophecy says that the Virgin will give birth to a son “and you are to give him the name ‘Jesus’ because he will save his people from their sins.” He will do something about my one problem that I am helpless to do anything about.
Imagine; for 800 years these prophecies were read daily in the home and Sabbath schools and the Temple, but nothing happened. NOW: they have all come true! What are you giving Jesus for Christmas?

“Father, it is good to see Jesus in light of your Eternal Plan for the
redemption of the world. Thank You for Your preparation. Amen”