Every year when the Holidays are near, most of us begin being busy picking out the perfect gifts for our family and friends. We call this gift hunting. Gift hunting is usually difficult since there are a couple of questions that you have to consider when thinking of what to buy. First is “will he or she want or need this?” And because we have don’t have enough time to wait for brainstorms we typically just summon the person who knows the GR (gift recipient) well. (My friend likes to call those people “gift agents”.) Or sometimes, we approach the GR and directly ask, “What do you want for Christmas?” That could make everything easier – it seems. But what if your GR needs something really expensive, like, say, a new computer? And come to think of it, you need a new computer yourself. That’s where the second perfect-gift-hunting question comes in: “Will this fit in my budget?”
Of course we want to give the best for each of our GRs. But we have to think practically, too. (Not all of us are millionaires!) So don’t you just wish there’s a perfect gift? A certain gift that would suit anyone? One particular gift which everyone needs? You might be thinking, “Eso es ridiculoso! – that is ridiculous!” Well, surprise, surprise… There is the Perfect Gift, and it won’t cost you your yearly salary. As a matter of fact, it’s free. But it is in no way cheap!
You’re probably familiar with Isaiah 9: 6. This verse was mentioned earlier at church in one of our pastors’ sermon. I’m pretty sure it’s one of the most famous bible verses which is related to Christmas.
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 verse from the book of Isaiah is a prophecy. I learned from the sermon that the whole verse hasn’t been fulfilled yet. The first two lines refer to the first coming of Christ, which is already fulfilled; but the rest relates to the Second Coming, which hasn’t occured yet. We’ll concentrate on the former because it’s Christmas Day.
“For to us a child is born…”
At first look, the two lines seem synonymous. But if you read it carefully, you will see a difference between the two. “For to us a child is born…” This line refers to the humanity of Y’shua (Jesus) – His perfect humanity.
From the conception, through the gestation, to birth. Why is Y’shua perfect? Because He doesn’t have the imputation of Adam’s sin – the original sin. He doesn’t have a sinful nature, which is passed through the biological father. He was born of parthenos or virgin birth. Miriam (Mary in English) was conceived by the Undefiled or Holy Spirit.
Even though Y’shua was without the OSN (Old Sin Nature), He was tempted “in every way, just as we are” (Heb. 4:15). But despite this, He resisted those temptations and lived a sinless life, making Him the sole person qualified to be the Savior of the world.
“…to us a son is given…”
If the previous line tells us about Y’shua’s humanity, the next line deals with His deity. Y’shua is God. He has pre-existed. His existence was prior to his becoming Man. (He said so Himself in John 17:5.) And how does this verse prove anything about His pre-existence? The verse said that He is given. You see, can something be given if it doesn’t exist with the source? For example, if I said I’d give you my Bible, could I give it to you if I do not have it?
“Give” was also used in John 3:16. The only begotten son was given.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
So here you see, Y’shua is the God-man (100% God, 100% man). To anyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. And that’s the Perfect Gift I’ve been talking about: Salvation.
This Christmas let us be reminded of what we are really celebrating: Y’shua’s incarnation. On Christmas Day, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). He is called Immanuel – which specifically means “God is among us” (Matt. 1:23). And this was vital in order for Him to lay down His own life that He might take it up again Himself (John 10:17), in order for us to be saved.
Tonight maybe grab some slices of cake and make hot cocoa. Round up the people in your house. Let’s share this wonderful message to our relatives and friends. All it takes is a few minutes of talk. So what are you waiting for? Let all of your loved ones have the Perfect Gift this Christmas Day! =)
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