A Child Is Born

Isaiah 9:6 

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.

Can you remember the first time or the last time a child was born into your family? The anticipation was surreal I’m sure. It was probably – for most of us – an experience we will never forget.

I remember when our children were born. Shelly – our oldest – was a natural birth. I was from a generation that began to join the wife in the delivery room. We went to the classes and learned the methods of breathing and concentration. We didn’t know going into the delivery room what our child’s gender would be – we wanted to be surprised. I watched her come into the world and after making sure she was OK and that Carolyn was OK – I remember running down the hall to the family – jumping up and down and screaming that I was a father.

Nicole and Jaclyn were born five years later and the excitement was just as high pitched. We knew we were having twins but the thrill of adding two more daughters to our family was something I will never forget. I now had four women depending on me to be the husband and dad. It was a time I will never forget. I was so excited – running the halls again – screaming that I had twin daughters!

In the last three plus years we have added four granddaughters. The thrill never dies. Adding four precious girls to our family (that’s right – if you’re counting – I now have 8 women telling me what to do) has been a thrill I would never trade for anything.

When a child is born – there is just something that cannot be expressed in words. A new life – from the time of conception until the moment of birth – a time of anticipation and excitement. And the moment they are born – there is an excitement that cannot be placed in words.

We had their rooms prepared – we had family and friends waiting in the outer room – we had gifts and plans for them. They were anticipated and welcomed with fanfare.

Today’s passage is a prophecy about the birth of Christ. Isaiah 9:6 – 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.

Carolyn and I dreamed dreams about our children – from before they were conceived. Mary and Joseph had visions from God about what their son would be and do – who their son would be when He grew.

The Messiah was born and laid into a manger – a feeding troth. The Messiah was met by animals – some shepherds came – later on some Wisemen bearing gifts – and some angels – of course their were angels. The long anticipated Messiah – came into the world with little notice and lived His life. He would live His life for us – for others – and He would sacrifice His life for us. He modeled for us true love.

Christmas – so much more than the commercial side the society has made it. For to us a child is born – the Messiah – the King of Kings – the Lord of Lords – the Everlasting One! Remember that Jesus is not only the reason for the season, He is the reason for everyday!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.