2 Samuel 7:12-16 “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’”
Background of Isaiah
It’s divided into three categories according to what is happening to God’s people.
Chs. 1-39- Assyrian Threat, 40-55- Babylonian Exile, 56-66- the coming reign of the Messiah
So in Chapter 9, the militant Assyrian Empire was rising against Judah. Isaiah was called by God to tell His people to trust in God for salvation.
How to keep Christ in Christmas
- Give Christ Priority “…and the government shall be upon his shoulder.” The word for government means scepter, reign, authority. Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Colossians 1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”
Many good things will compete with Christ for our priorities, but Christ is the greatest priority of all! You want to leave Jesus out of Christmas and your life, don’t make Him a priority! Don’t pray, don’t study His word, don’t fellowship with other believers, don’t witness, don’t enjoy Him. Be busy, place family, gifts, and finances above Christ! You will not experience His blessings! We were designed to enjoy Him! Our greatest satisfaction will come from making much of Jesus! Do not forget that He came to die for you! The least we can do is live for Him!
- Give Christ your Plans “…and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor…” The word counselor here means to advise or to guide you. Give Christ your plans and you’ll be guided by the One who created you for the purpose of His glory! Who knows best?
Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 6:25-26 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
- Give Christ Possession “…Mighty God, Everlasting Father…” Jesus came that he might be your savior, your God! 1 Timothy 1:15 “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
What is the result of keeping Christ in Christmas and as Lord throughout your life?
Peace!!! “…Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it.”
No Christ, No Peace
Know Christ, Know Peace
Christ makes peace between God and us!
Psalm 85:7-9 “Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.”