Part 1
As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of decorations, shopping, and gift-giving. But what if we took a step back and focused on the true reason for the season? This year, let's set aside the commercialism and rediscover the wonder of Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah, centuries before Christ, brought a message of hope amidst the darkness of uncertainty, proclaiming, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given" (Isaiah 9:6). His words resonate even today, urging us to recognize Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as our multifaceted Savior. The mystery of His incarnation reveals that He is fully human and fully divine, humbling Himself to walk among us as a vulnerable infant. In this, we see the depth of His creative power; as John reminds us, "All things were made through him" (John 1:3). The beauty of creation reflects His genius and love, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice where He laid down His life for us (John 15:13). This extraordinary love is the cornerstone of our salvation and the source of our everlasting hope.
How does the prophecy in Isiah 9:2 link us to the New Testament identity of Christ? (Hint: Matthew 4, John 1, John 3, John 8, Matthew 5)