Eternal hope is reflected in every child that is born. All sorts of possibilities are wrapped up in the precious gift of a baby. We don’t know what the future holds for our children. God, however, knew what would become of his only son. Jesus, the Christ child, was given by God as the perfect gift for all mankind.
When God finished his work of creation, he declared it “very good.” This proclamation included man. It wasn’t long until man disobeyed God and was condemned by his own sin. For this, man could not provide a remedy. Only God could. Not only does God’s remedy cover sin, but it establishes an eternal kingdom for all who are saved.
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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. — Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV)
God’s baby, Jesus. He is born in humble circumstances. He starts his life with only one advantage. He is God’s son. Nothing else is needed. But oh, how God loves him! He provides all that his son needs. We are not given much information about Jesus’ childhood. Not much needs to be said. We are told something about Jesus when he was 12 years old.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. — Luke 2:52 (KJV)
This is a significant statement. At the age of 12, Jesus is increasing in favor with God! Here is where we get a glimpse into Jesus’ life. He is turning toward adulthood. It is a defining moment when he has the wisdom and knowledge to astound the masters of learning in the temple.
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. — Luke 2:47 (KJV)
Yet, at this age, when development into a man starts, Jesus submits himself to his parents. There is no rebellion here! He knew his Heavenly Father’s business, but he also knew that he must be obedient to his earthly parents.
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? — Luke 2:49 (KJV)
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. — Luke 2:51 (KJV)
In the book of Luke, we are not told anything more about Jesus until he is baptized by John the Baptist.
Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age… — Luke 3:21-23a (KJV)
Eighteen years have passed since Jesus spoke in the temple. He is now a grown man. What happened during those eighteen years? We do know that he learned the trade of a carpenter. Is this not the carpenter? Mark 6:3a (KJV) I think the most significant thing that happened during the first 30 years of Jesus’ life is shown to us, by what God says.
“Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” — Luke 3:22b (KJV)
Jesus is not famous. He has not performed any miracles. His ministry has not begun yet. He has not done anything but live his life in obedience to his Father. Jesus is beloved of God. Jesus pleased God in everything he did. Because of this, He is ready to do the work that God sent Him to do on Earth.
Jesus was born so that he could give his life as payment for the sins of the world. For your sins! God and Jesus never forgot this. It was their purpose in all they did. It was as difficult for God as it was for His Son. Read the words of Jesusout loud and listen to them.
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? — Mark 15:34 (KJV)
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished:and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. — John 19:30 (KJV)
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. — Luke 23:46 (KJV)
Here, when Jesus speaks, God is silent. He says more in that silence than anything that could be uttered. The moment is too much for words. It can only be felt.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. — John 3:16 (KJV)
This is what Christmas is about. The gift God gave us. Nothing else matters but to receive that gift.
God bless, Mike