The birth of Jesus is the single most important event in human history. History is divided into two time periods: before the birth of Christ and after the birth of Christ. While skeptics may argue whether or not Jesus was the son of God and the Savior of the world, only a fool would try to argue that Jesus was a fictional character and that no such man ever lived. Isaiah wrote about this event seven centuries earlier in Isaiah 9…

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

The birth of Jesus changed the trajectory of the future of God’s people. Before the birth of Jesus, God’s people were wandering in darkness with no one to guide the way; with the birth of Jesus, the people would receive a “Wonderful Counselor” who, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, would lead and guide them. Before the birth of Jesus, God’s people were defeated by sin and were helpless to rescue themselves; but with the birth of Jesus, the people would now have a “Mighty God” who would defeat death, sin and the grave and set His people free. Before the birth of Jesus, the people had lost their identity and relational connection with God; but with the birth of Jesus, the people could now become God’s children and call God their “Everlasting Father” and live with Him forever in eternity. Before the birth of Jesus, the hearts of God’s people were filled will unrest and chaos; but with the birth of Jesus, the people would be ruled by the “Prince of Peace” who would bring peace and rest to their hearts. The birth of Christ brings hope because with the birth of Christ everything would change. The wait is over, Jesus the King is coming!

Prayer emphasis: Thank God for fulfilling His promise that He would send a Messiah to redeem us!

For family discussion…
How do you think the birth of Jesus has changed our world?
Which of the four descriptions of the coming Messiah (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace) speaks to your heart the most? Why?