November 30, 2023: Prophetic Birth Announcement

Prophetic Birth Announcement

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“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.”

Isaiah 9:6

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I recently was reading the red letters of Jesus speaking in Matthew 11:29:

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:29 NIV

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Something occurred to me. I have never focused on who Jesus says He is here. I have read this scripture countless times. Quoted the parts that mattered to me. But here He says He is gentle.

What I discovered is that I never meditated or fully understood Jesus as gentle. Not in a weak or flimsy sort of way, because Jesus is certain and powerful.

I had thought much about the yoke, learning, and resting. But not His attributes. He quite literally describes himself as “I am gentle”. Why hadn’t I thought about it? Why hadn't I accepted it and described Him as He describes Himself? It is a fruit of the spirit, so of course He is gentle.

I thought we'd take a few minutes to dig into Isaiah’s prophetic birth announcement for Jesus. God revealed to Isaiah the coming of the Messiah nearly 7 centuries before His birth. And this declaration in scripture not only got it right, it proves who Jesus is. I found it interesting how each description uses a noun and adjective.

Take the next few minutes and dig into each description. I've given some to get you started. I encourage you to find or fill in the rest. Uncover some truths, meditate on what stands out to you. Take your time. Take a slow gander over each allowing the Holy Spirit to whisper.

A Son given:

1. God’s Son, Jesus given, a gift. The price and payment for our salvation and redemption.

Government upon His shoulders:

1. Jesus reigns. He rules. The governments of the world aren't a reflection of Him, yet there is not one thing that slips His notice. Jesus is Lord over the whole earth. It is His. He has all dominion and power, He conquered death and the grave. There is no sting to harm us. Thus affirms His Lordship.

Wonderful Counselor:

1. 1 : exciting wonder : MARVELOUS, ASTONISHING //a sight wonderful to behold

2. 2 : unusually good : ADMIRABLE //did a wonderful job

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““When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father — the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father — he will testify about me.”

John 15:26 CSB

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Mighty God:

1. 1: possessing might : POWERFUL

2. 2: accomplished or characterized by might //a mighty thrust

3. 3 : great or imposing in size or extent : EXTRAORDINARY

Everlasting Father:

1. 1: lasting or enduring through all time : ETERNAL

2. 2a: continuing for a long time or indefinitely
2b: tediously persistent

Peace (Shalom) is a masculine noun. I love that both Prince and Peace are used as nouns here. Something about that makes me excited.

Prayer: I am amazed by who You are Jesus. I stand in awe and wonder captured by your glory. Thank you for revealing a new facet and understanding of who You are to me today. Please continue to show me how to continually unwrap Your gifts for me. Teach me how to be still in your presence without running off to find comfort or convenience. It's You who I want to know and please. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

Spend some time writing and personalizing Christmas Cards. It takes more time but the impact it leaves on the receiver is much more special. Perhaps you want to give writing a Christmas letter or poem a go. The intentionality it takes stands out amongst others. A nod to yesteryears and yesterways may be more your speed. Whichever you choose (if any) ask the Lord to give you a fresh perspective and fresh word to share with your friends and family, and however He leads will be perfect!

#advent2023