A Closer Walk
A CLOSER WALK
Greg Worthen
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace," Isaiah 9:6 KJV. This very familiar verse is part of the culmination of the Advent Season. It is very beautiful in its wording, especially if read from the King James Version. The message of the verse is even more beautiful. The promised Messiah has come. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given."
At a perfect point in time the Messiah was born. How do we know it was the perfect time? Because that is the precise and specific point in time that our God chose for the birth of His Son, the promised Messiah. Could He have chosen a different time? Absolutely! Almighty God could have picked any moment during the entire course of human history for this event to happen. But at a perfect and specific point in time the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, came to earth to be born of a woman. The stage had been set, everything was ready. The woman had been chosen. Along with the righteous man who was selected to be the adoptive father of and raise the Savior of the world. And so the Christmas story began to unfold.
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn," Luke 2:1-7 KJV.
He was born in Bethlehem because that fulfilled the prophecy regarding the Messiah's birth. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee he shall come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting,” Micah 5:2 KJV." And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins," Matthew 1:21 KJV. Our God and Creator laid aside His Godly privileges to come to earth to be born of a woman, and to save all of mankind from their sins. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
And so the savior of the world was born. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people. For unto you a child is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,'" Luke 2:8-14 KJV.
The Messiah and Savior of the world has come! The Christmas story has unfolded just as it should. And now we can be saved from our sins and reconciled to God. "All hail the power of Jesus name Let angels prostrate fall Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all. Edward Perronet 1726-1792.
* * * * * * *
My beloved and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year.
“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace,” Numbers 6:23 KJV.