A CHILD IS BORN – A SON IS GIVEN

For unto us a CHILD is born; unto us a SON is given.... – Isaiah 9:6

“…Unto us a CHILD is BORN…” In His human nature, Jesus was born as a child, begotten of the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus was as truly born, as certainly a child, as any other human being that ever lived on the face of the earth. He was, in His humanity a child born. This is an undisputable historical fact: God, the Son became man, was born at Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. We’ll continue to celebrate the Birth of the Child Jesus. That’s where the story of redemption began to unfold on earth. But, there is more…

“…Unto us a SON is GIVEN…” As God’s Son, Jesus was not only born, but GIVEN, begotten of His Father from before the worlds were made. He was begotten – not made, being of the same substance with the Father. What a solemn mystery, the eternal affiliation of Christ with the Father! Jesus, as a Son was GIVEN: “For God so loved the world, that He GAVE His only begotten SON…” (Jh.3:16). The Psalmist prophesied and the Father proclaimed Him as Son (Psa.2:7; Mt.3:17, 17:5). This is an undisputable reality of redemption: that God has given His only begotten Son to be the Saviour of men.

Moreover, the Child GREW to become the SON: “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit...” (Lk.1:80a; 2:40a). The baby of Bethlehem grew into the Wonder-working Jesus of Nazareth, King of kings, Lord of lords, Lord of all, and Master of the Universe. Just as He grew from babyhood to Matured Manhood, each of us must mature into sonship in Christ: Jesus must grow in us. This is the mystery of spiritual maturity. Paul understood this mystery of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col.1:27). That’s why he wrote: “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you” (Gal.4:19).

Finally, “…unto US…unto US…” There are questions to ponder on: Is this child born to us? Is He born to you? Is He given to us? Is He given to you? Have you a personal interest and stake in the Child that was born at Bethlehem? Have you known the Son as your Saviour? Have you received Him who was given? If this Child is born to you, then you are born again! Only those who are born again can claim the babe in Bethlehem as being theirs and the Son as their personal Lord and Saviour.