What do you see?
Today’s Text: Isaiah 9:6-7
RECLAIMING CHRISTMAS

Gazing at a Nativity crèche, it’s obvious that the babe lying on a bed of hay is the focal point. When you look at the manger, however, what do you really see?

Do you see the Jesus pictured on Christmas cards, in great works of art, TV shows and movies?  Or are you looking at the awesome One prophesied in the Bible?

Isaiah described Him in a prophecy to the nation of ancient Israel saying:

ISAIAH 9:6-7
“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, Counselor, 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 judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
 
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

Some two centuries later, Daniel was given a vision of the future allowing him to see into the throne room of “The Ancient of Days,” which is a reference to the Sovereign of the universe. Daniel witnessed the terrifying scene of God determining the fate of the current world system at the end of the age:

“I watched till thrones were put in place,
And the Ancient of Days was seated;
His garment was white as snow,
And the hair of His head was like pure wool.

His throne was a fiery flame,
Its wheels a burning fire;
A fiery stream issued
And came forth from before Him.
A thousand thousands ministered to Him;
Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him”
The court was seated,
And the books were opened” (Dan. 7:9-10).

The scene reveals the heavenly court set to judge the Antichrist as representative of man’s feeble efforts to govern the world in defiance of God. Mankind’s final attempt at globalism under the rule of the Antichrist is reminiscent of the first unified endeavor at the tower of Babel and also ends in devastation and ruin (v. 11).

Daniel observed the transition of power essential for the reclamation and restoration of planet earth:

“I was watching in the night visions,
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.
Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
Which shall not pass away,
And His kingdom the one
Which shall not be destroyed” (v. 13-14).

Adam’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden had profound implications for all of creation. His failure created a void that was all too easily filled with a world system governed by Satan that will climax in the still-future evil global empire ruled by the Antichrist.

But what was lost as a result of Adam’s sin, God will ultimately reclaim through the “Son of Man” who is coming again with the clouds of heaven. At a set time on God’s eternal calendar, Jesus Christ will establish His kingdom on the earth and Satan’s world system will come to an abrupt and definitive end. Only the prophesied One qualifies to rule the world in perfect righteousness, justice and peace (Isa. 32:16-18).

Many emphasize that the “Babe in the manger is the Christ of the cross.” Yes, Jesus came to die. The meekness of the Jesus we picture in the manger and His humiliation on the cross, however, are past tense. Jesus rose from the dead! He actually conquered death. Today, Jesus is very much alive.

It’s important we acknowledge our Savior’s birthday. And, what would a birthday party be without a few baby pictures to reminisce over? But, it is the person who is always the center of the celebration.

When you see Jesus for who He is today—the risen glorified and soon returning Son of God—you are reclaiming the message of Christmas. Only then, does Jesus take His rightful place in your celebration.

Rev. Charles E. McCracken is an International Bible Teacher. To connect with Charles, use the Contact Form under ABOUT!

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Rev. McCracken is known for authenticity in communicating biblical truth that makes his presentations relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

© Charles E. McCracken 2017, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author via Contact Form under ABOUT. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Emphasis added.)

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