Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV) “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgement and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year to reflect on the birth of our Saviour and the impact He has on our lives. However, we must not be so caught up with merely observing religious dates and events because they will only lead to legalism and religion. Jesus was born so that we can have a restored relationship with the Heavenly Father. He came to seek and save those who are lost, so Christmas ought to remind us of the need to make outreach an integral part of our lifestyle. In fact, Christmas is the best time to talk about Christ to your friends because Christmas decorations are all over the shopping malls, schools and offices.
No parent knows the full potential of a baby until the baby grows into an adult. However, it had been prophesied through the prophet Isaiah regarding the work and ministry of Jesus even before He was born. The three wise men brought precious gifts to Jesus but they never knew that Jesus in return would give them the greatest gift of their lives. If you have not received this priceless gift, then God wants you to receive it too—the gift of eternal and abundant life that begins the moment we acknowledge Jesus as our Saviour.
The imagery of baby Jesus in the manger is seen across the world, especially among the displays in hotels, shopping malls and churches, and this in itself is a powerful ministry. His fourfold name and attributes are Wonderful Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, and they describe the work that He will do in our lives.
Christmas is an invitation to those who have not received Jesus, and it is an invitation to have peace with God. The peace with God is the gift of righteousness to stand right before God. With this peace comes the peace in our hearts, and peace with the people around us. Are you in need of peace in your life during this Christmas? Let us come before the Lord by spending a quiet moment to invite Jesus Christ to enter into your situation because God wants to be involved in your case today.
Sermon Series: Christmas
这个圣诞节，耶稣是最好的赠与
以赛亚书 9:6-7因有一婴孩为我们而生；有一子赐给我们。政权必担在他的肩头上；他名称为“奇妙策士、全能的 神、永在的父、平安的君”。他的政权与平安必加增无穷。他必在大卫的宝座上治理他的国，以公平公义使国坚定稳固，从今直到永远。万军之耶和华的热心必成就。
圣诞节是一年中如此美妙的时节，让我们反思我们救主的诞生以及祂对我们生命的影响。然而，我们决不能只关注宗教日期和事件，因为它们只会导致律法主义和宗教。耶稣的诞生是为了让我们能够与天父恢复关系。祂是来寻找和拯救失丧的人，所以圣诞节应该提醒我们，有必要把外展活动作为我们生活方式的一个组成部分。事实上，圣诞节是与朋友谈论基督的最佳时机，因为购物中心、学校和办公室里到处都是圣诞装饰品。
在婴儿长大成人之前，没有父母知道婴儿的全部潜力。然而，甚至在耶稣出生之前，就已经通过先知以赛亚预言了耶稣的工作和事工。东方三博士给耶稣带来了宝贵的礼物，但他们不知道的是，作为回报，耶稣会给他们一生中最伟大的礼物。如果你没有收到这无价的礼物，那么上帝希望你也能收到它——从我们承认耶稣是我们的救主的那一刻开始的永恒而丰盛的生命的礼物。
婴儿耶稣在马槽里的形象在世界各地都能看到，尤其是在酒店、购物中心和教堂的展示中，这本身就是一个强大的事工。祂的四重名字和属性是“奇妙的策士”、“全能的上帝”、“永恒的父”、“和平的君”，这些名字描述了祂将在我们的生命中所做的工作。
圣诞节是对那些还没有接受耶稣的人的邀请，也是与上帝和好的邀请。与上帝的和平是公义的礼物，好教你合法地站立在上帝面前。与这种平安伴随而来的是我们心中的平安，以及与周遭之人的和平。在这个圣诞节，你的生命需要平安吗？让我们安静在主前一个时刻，邀请耶稣基督进入你的处境，因为上帝今天想参与你的案件。
讲章系列：圣诞节