Christmas Verses – The First Coming #15

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Isaiah 40: 5 – 11 NIV

5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

9 You who bring good news to Zion,
go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,
lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
say to the towns of Judah,
“Here is your God!”
10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.

There is a shift in Isaiah 40 with the announcement of “comfort” the rest of Isaiah is more positive and has many great verses.  Elements of the Christmas story that are present are John the Baptist (vs 3) and a reference to the angelic choir (vs 9).  Verse 11 has the tone of Peter’s reinstatement in John 21.

pictures of angels  http://www.squidoo.com/vintagechristmasimages 

Christmas Verses – The First Coming #14

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Isaiah 11:1 NIV

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

Verse 1 – 9 is a beautiful discourse that tells of Jesus, the gifts of the Spirit (1Corinthians 12:7), and things that will occur during His reign. This is one of six verses in the Bible that refer to “the Branch.”  This one stands different in that it uses the word nester for branch, and this Branch is coming from Jesse, David’s father.  Verse ten continues using Jesse as the source instead of David.  The fact that the metaphors of roots and stumps are used must have galled the royal family, because it means that they will be cut down!

This metaphor of trees and forest being destroyed actually starts in 10:12, but here it is the king of Assyria and his people are the trees that are cut down.  10:17 identifies the “Light of Israel” as being the source of fire that will consume them.  Once again, the promise of the Messiah is nestled in the middle of an oracle of judgement.  This section closes with a praise song, all of chapter 12 is a beautiful praise about the Lord being our salvation and strength.  This section (Chapter 10 – 12) also uses the two forms of Lord. (See Lord/LORD.) (See Cut Jesse Some Slack)

http://all-free-download.com/free-photos/hd_picture_5_of_the_wheat_fields_under_the_sun_166083_download.html

Christmas Verses – The First Coming #13

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Isaiah 9:6 NIV

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.

This part of Chapter 9 is an encouragement for Judah at a bleak time, and the names or titles for this Child are awesome.  But the word that has stood out as I have pondered this verse for this season is “us.” Jesus did all of this for US!

Christmas Verses – The First Coming #12

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Isaiah 9:2 NIV

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.

Chapter 9 of Isaiah is another great Jesus chapter.  Starting in Chapter 8 this section of Isaiah is an encouragement to “fear God” and to not trust in mediums. 

The land of Zebulun and Naphtali, which was the west side of Galilee, was not part of Judah.  This is the area of Nazareth and where much of Jesus’ ministry took place.

http://bibleatlas.org/gadara.htm

Christmas Verses – The First Coming #11

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Isaiah 7:14 NIV

 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

The Lord had called Isaiah to encourage Ahaz (did not do right) son of Jotham (did do right) while the Northern Kingdom attacked Jerusalem/Judah.  2 Kings 16 says that Ahaz made a deal with Assyria, and even built an altar to impress them, this may have been after this section of Isaiah.  The Lord gave Ahaz the opportunity to ask for a sign that Isaiah’s prophecy would come true.  Ahaz refused and in so doing angered God.  His refusal sounded good, but probably stemmed from Ahaz’s pride rather than true belief in the Lord.  Verse 9b is an awesome verse, and is truth to last the ages.

Verse 14 is the heart of Christmas, and Jesus’ mission in just fifteen words.  Once again, we see the Lord being faithful and offering hope, even though the judgement of Judah/Israel was being predicted.