Supplemental SS Lesson: December 21
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Purpose for This Supplemental Material
A Little Background…
In the 1930’s Sunday Schools (aka “Sabbath Schools”) were beginning to take hold throughout America and Canada. As the Sunday School movement grew, it became necessary for publishers to create literature to meet the needs of believers. Publishers, namely the “American Sunday School Union” was formed and pioneered what became known as the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL). Later, as the Union switched focus to church planting, the National Council of Churches took on the responsibility of creating the ISSL to promote Christian unity among congregations and denominations. The ISSL (aka “Uniform Lesson Series”) is used by all major Christian publishing companies around the world. Therefore, when you are studying a lesson, there are millions of Christians studying the same text on the same Sunday.
The CrossWise curriculum has followed the ISSL from the beginning. The outlines ensure comprehensive study of the Bible, fosters Christian unity, and helps produce products that fit with products from other publishers: David C. Cook, LifeWay, Group, and about fifty other publishers. However, sometimes, scope and sequence miss the boat on timing.
As the now Vice-Chairman of the Committee on the Uniform Lesson Series, we have tried to correct these future lapses in schedule, but this year, December 21, is not a traditional Christmas lesson. So, to allow for greatest flexibility, we are offering a Christmas Lesson to replace or supplement Lesson 3, December 21. I hope you will find the lesson helpful for personal or group study. The choice is yours!
Thank you for choosing CrossWise curriculum for your Bible Study needs. We will continue to provide quality resources for you and your church. If you have further questions, please reach out to me or one of our associates.
Rev. Dr. John Hill
Editor and CEO
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation Inc.
Cross & Crown, Ayden, NC
Unit One: Supplemental Lesson for Christmas
Lesson 3: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Print Passage: Isaiah 9:2-7 & Luke 2:1-14
Historical Background
The prophecy of Isaiah 9:2–7 was delivered in the 8th century B.C. during a time of national crisis for the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Assyria, the dominant world power, was expanding aggressively, and the northern kingdom faced invasion and eventual exile. Spiritually, the nation was marked by idolatry, injustice, and deep moral darkness. Into this troubled setting, Isaiah announced a future hope: a divinely appointed King from David’s line who would bring light, joy, deliverance, and everlasting peace. His message offered comfort to a people overwhelmed by political instability and impending judgment.
Luke’s account unfolds more than 700 years later under Roman rule. Israel was no longer an independent nation but a province under the authority of Caesar Augustus, who initiated a census requiring subjects to register in their ancestral towns. This decree set in motion the events that brought Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, fulfilling Micah’s prophecy of the Messiah’s birthplace. Shepherds, a humble and often marginalized group, watched their flocks near Bethlehem—likely used for temple sacrifices—when angels announced Christ’s birth. The combination of foreign occupation, longing for deliverance, and the religious anticipation of a coming Messiah provides the rich backdrop against which Luke records the arrival of Jesus, the promised Prince of Peace.
TEACHING STRATEGIES
1. Have each participant write down an area of personal conflict (internal or relational). Read Luke 2:14 and Isaiah 9:6 aloud. Ask each person to identify one action step to let the “Prince of Peace” reign in that situation (forgiveness, prayer, reconciliation, Scripture meditation, etc.). End with a group prayer committing these steps to God. Discuss: What does it look like to let the Prince of Peace rule in your heart and relationships?
2. Divide participants into 4 groups: Wonderful Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Each group lists real-life situations in which that specific title of Christ becomes particularly meaningful (e.g., decision-making, fears, loss, conflict). Discuss: How does this title of Christ affect the way you pray and live?
HOOKAssign participants to small groups, each focusing on one term. They use Scripture cross-references (provided or chosen) to define:
· Savior—Why we need salvation.
· Christ—What it means that Jesus is the Anointed One.
· Lord—His authority and deity. Groups present short summaries.Reflection: How does understanding these titles deepen your worship?
LOOK
1. Isaiah describes the people as walking “in darkness” (Isa. 9:2).What forms of spiritual darkness do you see in today’s world, and how does Christ shine as the “great light” in those places?
2. Isaiah 9:3 speaks of great joy.How does the joy Christ brings differ from temporary or earthly happiness?
3. Isaiah 9:4 mentions breaking the “yoke,” “staff,” and “rod” of oppression.In what ways does Christ bring spiritual liberty to those who are bound by sin or fear?
4. Isaiah 9:6 declares, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.”How do these two phrases together affirm both the humanity and deity of Christ?
5. Each title in Isaiah 9:6 reveals something about Christ’s nature.Which title—Wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace—speaks most to you personally, and why?
6. Luke 2:1–5 shows God using Caesar’s decree to fulfill prophecy.What does this teach us about God’s sovereignty over world events and human governments?
7. Jesus’ birth took place in humble circumstances (Luke 2:7).Why do you think God chose a manger instead of a palace for the birth of His Son?
8. The angel told the shepherds, “Fear not” (Luke 2:10).What fears does the gospel calm in your own life?
9. The angels proclaimed “good tidings of great joy…to all people” (Luke 2:10).How does the universal scope of the gospel shape the mission of the church today?
10. The heavenly host declared, “Glory to God…peace on earth” (Luke 2:14).How does Christ bring peace now, and how will He ultimately bring peace in His future kingdom?
TOOK
The promise and presentation of the Prince of Peace remind us that God keeps His Word with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah looked forward to a Savior who would shine into darkness, and Luke shows that promise fulfilled in a humble manger. Christ came to bring light, joy, liberty, and peace to all who receive Him. In a world filled with uncertainty, His birth assures us that God is still sovereign and His grace still reaches the lowly. As we reflect on the Savior’s coming, may our hearts respond with worship, trust, and renewed hope in the One who came—and who will come again.
COMMENTARY
“The Promise and the Presentation of the Prince of Peace”
Isaiah 9:2–7 & Luke 2:1–14
Introduction
The Christmas story is not merely a seasonal narrative but the unfolding of God’s eternal plan of redemption, a divine drama written long before Bethlehem ever heard the cry of an infant. Scripture teaches that Christ was “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world,” and both Isaiah and Luke record complementary portions of this magnificent plan. In Isaiah 9:2–7 we hear the promise; in Luke 2:1–14 we witness the presentation. One passage looks forward with prophetic certainty, the other looks back with historical clarity. Together they form a united testimony to the sovereignty of God, the faithfulness of His Word, and the glory of His Son, our Prince of Peace.
Isaiah ministered in a time of national turmoil, spiritual decline, and looming judgment. Darkness covered the land—moral darkness, political darkness, and spiritual darkness. Yet into that bleak setting the prophet announces a radiant hope: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.” This promise was not hypothetical but certain, spoken in a prophetic perfect tense as though already accomplished. Isaiah points Israel beyond her fears and failures to the coming Messiah, the One who would dispel darkness, break oppression, and rule with righteousness. Each title given in Isaiah 9:6—Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace—reveals an aspect of the Messiah’s character and work. The promised Child would not merely restore Israel’s dignity; He would bring salvation to the nations and establish an everlasting kingdom.
Luke’s Gospel records the moment that promise stepped into human history. In Luke 2:1–14 we move from prophecy to fulfillment, from anticipation to realization. Caesar Augustus believed he was asserting his political power through a decree of taxation, yet in truth he was an unwitting instrument in the hand of God. His command moved Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, precisely where Micah had prophesied the Messiah would be born. The sovereignty of God over kings and kingdoms is quietly affirmed in every detail. Christ’s birth in a lowly manger was no accident but a deliberate display of humility and grace, revealing that the Savior came not to be served, but to serve.
The angelic announcement to the shepherds is heaven’s interpretation of the event. The Lord does not leave the meaning of Christ’s birth to speculation; He proclaims it plainly: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” The gospel is first declared not in palaces nor among the elite, but to humble shepherds keeping watch by night. This reminds us that the grace of God reaches downward before it lifts upward, and that Christ came for all people—ordinary, overlooked, and underserved.
When we place Isaiah’s promise beside Luke’s presentation, the unity of Scripture shines with unmistakable clarity. The God who spoke through the prophets fulfilled His Word in the fullness of time. The long-awaited Messiah has come, bringing light to the darkness, joy to the sorrowing, salvation to the lost, and peace to all who believe. As we study these passages, may our hearts be drawn afresh to worship the Prince of Peace, whose coming changed the world forever.
I. The Prophecy of the Savior’s Coming (Isaiah 9:2–5)
Isaiah 9:2–5 stands as one of the most treasured Messianic prophecies in all of Scripture. Spoken to a nation stumbling through spiritual confusion, political instability, and moral decline, these words shine with a hope that only God can give. Israel was facing the heavy shadow of Assyrian aggression, and her own unfaithfulness had plunged the nation into deeper darkness. Yet the God of Israel is a God who speaks light into darkness, joy into sorrow, and freedom into oppression. The passage offers a three-fold promise—light, joy, and liberty—which finds its ultimate fulfillment in the coming of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world and the Deliverer of His people.
A. Light for a Darkened People (Isaiah 9:2)
Isaiah begins by describing the condition of the people: “The people that walked in darkness.” This darkness is not merely political in nature; it is primarily spiritual. Israel’s rebellion had brought blindness, confusion, and separation from God. But the prophet declares that those very people “have seen a great light.” Isaiah writes in what scholars call the “prophetic perfect,” speaking of a future event as though it had already happened. This emphasizes the absolute certainty of God’s promise. The “great light” ultimately points to Christ, who later proclaimed, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Where sin casts shadows, Christ brings illumination. Where hopelessness prevails, Christ brings revelation. His coming would pierce humanity’s darkness with divine truth, grace, and salvation.
B. Joy for a Discouraged People (Isaiah 9:3)
From light flows joy. Isaiah declares, “Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy,” which, when properly understood, conveys that God Himself brings about the joy that Israel lacks. The prophet describes this joy through two familiar images: the exuberance of harvest time and the celebration following victory in battle. At harvest, labor gives way to abundance; in victory, fear gives way to triumph. Likewise, when the Messiah comes, He transforms despair into rejoicing and replaces sorrow with gladness. This joy is not shallow or temporary—it is God-given, God-sustained, and God-centered. It arises not from changing circumstances but from the unchanging faithfulness of the Lord who keeps His promises.
C. Liberty for an Enslaved People (Isaiah 9:4–5)
Finally, Isaiah speaks of liberation: “For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor.” These three terms—yoke, staff, rod—summarize every form of oppression Israel experienced, whether political, spiritual, or emotional. God promises that the Messiah will shatter every chain that binds His people. The reference to “the day of Midian” recalls Gideon’s miraculous victory over overwhelming odds, a victory achieved not by Israel’s might but by God’s intervention. In the same manner, Christ provides salvation not through human effort but through divine power. Isaiah completes this image by describing the instruments of war being burned. This portrays a future reign of true and lasting peace under the Messiah’s rule. When Christ returns to reign as King, conflict will cease, oppression will end, and the peace promised in prophecy will be fully realized.
Thus Isaiah 9:2–5 offers a timeless message: in the darkest of times, God’s promise of the Savior shines brightest. Through Christ, God gives light to the blind, joy to the broken, and liberty to the bound.
II. The Person of the Savior’s Character (Isaiah 9:6–7)
Isaiah 9:6–7 stands at the very heart of Old Testament Messianic prophecy. Few passages reveal so clearly both the nature and the mission of the coming Redeemer. Written more than seven hundred years before Christ’s birth, these verses testify to the inspiration and accuracy of Scripture, providing a portrait of the Savior that finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. A conservative reading understands this prophecy as a direct reference to the incarnate Son of God, whose birth, character, and kingdom align perfectly with Isaiah’s inspired description.
A. His Humanity Declared — “Unto us a child is born”
Isaiah begins by emphasizing the Messiah’s true humanity. The phrase, “Unto us a child is born,” points to a real, literal birth in time. The promised Redeemer would not descend in a vision, nor appear as an angel, but would come as a child—fully human, entering the world through the womb of Mary. This affirms Christ’s true humanity and His identification with those He came to save. His birth into Israel’s covenant line fulfills God’s promises to Abraham and David, demonstrating that the Messiah would arise from within the chosen nation.
B. His Deity Revealed — “Unto us a son is given”
The parallel phrase, “Unto us a son is given,” reveals the Messiah’s deity. He is not only born—He is given. This language indicates pre-existence. The Son existed before His birth; He is the eternal Second Person of the Godhead, sent by the Father according to divine purpose. This stands as a direct affirmation of Christ’s divine Sonship. He is both fully man and fully God, the only One capable of reconciling fallen humanity to a holy God.
C. His Authority Described — “The government shall be upon his shoulder”
Isaiah next describes the Messiah’s authority: “The government shall be upon his shoulder.” This points beyond the manger to the millennial and eternal reign of Christ. The shoulder that once bore a cross will one day bear the government of the world. He will rule in righteousness, fulfilling the covenant promises made to David. In a world weary of corrupt rulers and unstable powers, this promise assures believers that Christ’s kingdom will be marked by perfect justice and everlasting peace.
D. His Titles Designated — Four Names that Reveal His Nature
Isaiah then offers four titles, each revealing a facet of Christ’s person and work:
· Wonderful Counsellor — His wisdom surpasses all human guidance; He never errs nor misleads.
· The mighty God — A straightforward declaration of deity. No lesser interpretation fits the language.
· The everlasting Father — Literally “the Father of eternity,” meaning the One who originates, governs, and sustains all ages.
· The Prince of Peace — Only Christ can bring peace with God, peace within the heart, and peace upon the earth in the age to come.
These titles do not describe four different persons but one glorious Messiah whose character is beyond comparison.
E. His Kingdom Demonstrated (Isaiah 9:7)
Isaiah concludes with a vision of Christ’s eternal kingdom: a rule of endless increase, perfect justice, and unwavering righteousness. Its fulfillment is guaranteed by the words, “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” God Himself ensures that every promise concerning His Son will come to pass. Christ’s character guarantees His kingship, and God’s zeal guarantees its completion.
Thus Isaiah presents not merely a baby in a manger, but the eternal King—human and divine, wise and mighty, righteous and peaceful—our glorious Prince of Peace.
III. The Providence of the Savior’s Arrival (Luke 2:1–7)
The narrative of Christ’s birth in Luke 2 reveals far more than historical detail; it unveils the quiet but sovereign hand of God directing world events to fulfill His eternal redemptive purposes. A conservative reading of this passage emphasizes that nothing occurs by accident. Every movement of people, every decree of rulers, and every circumstance surrounding the nativity unfolds exactly as God had ordained. The same God who spoke through the prophets governs the course of nations and the decisions of kings. In Luke 2:1–7 we see His providence manifested through the setting, the site, and the simplicity of the Savior’s arrival.
A. The Sovereign Setting (Luke 2:1–2)
The passage opens with a decree from Caesar Augustus, the most powerful ruler of the known world. Yet while Caesar believed he was asserting his authority, Scripture reveals that he was unknowingly carrying out God’s decree. Micah 5:2 had foretold centuries earlier that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David. Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth, nearly seventy miles north, but God moved the heart of Caesar to call for a census that required them to travel south to Bethlehem at precisely the right time. This reminds us that God uses pagan rulers, political systems, and even oppressive governments to accomplish His divine plan. The hearts of kings truly are in the hand of the Lord, and He turns them wherever He wills. The events of Luke 2 do not unfold because of Caesar’s power, but because of God’s providence.
B. The Scriptural Site (Luke 2:3–5)
Luke records that Joseph traveled “to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” Joseph’s lineage in the house of David is not a minor detail—it is essential for fulfilling the Messianic promises of the Old Testament. The Messiah must come from David’s line, and Joseph’s obedience places him exactly where prophecy required him to be. Mary, carrying the Christ child, is “great with child,” reminding us of the miracle of the virgin birth. Though she is nearing delivery, she journeys in obedience and trust, displaying quiet faith in God’s promise. The scriptural site—Bethlehem—is not chosen by convenience but by covenant. God’s Word had declared it, and God’s providence ensured it.
C. The Simple Scene (Luke 2:6–7)
When the fullness of time arrives, Christ is born—not in a palace, not in comfort, but in profound humility. Luke’s description is beautifully simple and deeply theological:
· There is no room in the inn, reminding us that the world had no place for its own Creator.
· He is wrapped in swaddling clothes, showing His true humanity and the tender care of His mother.
· He is laid in a manger, a feeding trough for animals, prefiguring the humility and servanthood that would characterize His earthly life.
An understanding sees divine intention in every aspect of Christ’s humble birth. He came to identify with the lowly, the overlooked, and the ordinary. He who was rich became poor, that through His poverty we might become rich. The setting may appear insignificant to the world, but its simplicity magnifies the grace of God. The King of glory entered quietly, yet His arrival changed the world forever.
Thus, Luke 2:1–7 reveals that Christ’s birth was not the result of human planning but of divine providence—God guiding history to bring forth the Savior at exactly the right time, in exactly the right place, and in exactly the right way.
IV. The Proclamation of the Savior’s Birth (Luke 2:8–14)
The announcement of Christ’s birth is among the most beautiful scenes in Scripture, for it reveals the heart of God toward humankind. While the world slept in spiritual darkness, heaven broke through the night sky with a message of hope, salvation, and peace. Remarkably, this proclamation was not delivered to kings, nobles, or scholars, but to shepherds abiding in the fields. A conservative reading recognizes in this choice a deliberate pattern of God’s gracious character: He lifts the humble, calls the ordinary, and reveals His glory to those the world often overlooks. The Savior who would later call fishermen, tax collectors, and common men as disciples began His earthly life by being announced to shepherds—simple men with simple duties, chosen to receive the greatest news ever heard.
A. The Great Fear (Luke 2:8–9)
Luke records that as the shepherds kept watch over their flock, “the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.” The response was immediate and natural: “they were sore afraid.” This fear was not irrational terror but holy reverence. The sudden radiance of God’s glory—His visible majesty—exposed the smallness and sinfulness of man in light of divine purity. Throughout Scripture, when the glory of the Lord appears, fear follows, for sinful humans cannot behold such splendor without recognizing their own unworthiness. The shepherds’ fear prepares them, and us, to understand the grace of the message that follows. Before the gospel comforts, the glory of God must confront.
B. The Gracious Message (Luke 2:10–12)
The angel immediately declares, “Fear not.” These words reveal the kindness of God and the nature of the gospel itself. The good news begins with comfort: God has not come to destroy but to deliver. The angel continues, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” The gospel is not simply moral instruction or religious reform; it is good news—joyful, hopeful, world-changing news grounded in God’s saving action.
At the center of the proclamation is a threefold truth: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
· Savior reveals His mission—He came to save sinners.
· Christ reveals His office—He is the long-awaited Anointed One.
· Lord reveals His identity—He is divine, sovereign, and worthy of worship.
The shepherds are given a sign: they will find the child “wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” This sign confirms both prophecy and humility. The Messiah comes not in earthly splendor but in lowliness, identifying with the poor, the weak, and the needy.
C. The Glorious Praise (Luke 2:13–14)
Suddenly, the night sky erupts with a multitude of the heavenly host praising God. Their song is a threefold declaration:
· “Glory to God in the highest” — Christ’s birth reveals God’s glory more clearly than creation or miracles.
· “And on earth peace” — not political peace, but the peace Christ gives through His atoning work.
· “Good will toward men” — God’s gracious disposition toward sinners through His Son.
Their praise reminds us that salvation is first about God’s glory, then about humanity’s peace. True peace comes only through Christ, and His birth marks the dawn of that promised hope.
Thus, the proclamation to the shepherds reveals heaven’s interpretation of the incarnation: the Savior has come, and God is glorified as peace is offered to mankind.
V. The Purpose of the Savior’s Coming (Isaiah 9 & Luke 2 Together)
When Isaiah prophesied of the Messiah centuries before the birth of Christ, he did not merely describe what the Savior would be like; he revealed why He would come. Luke’s Gospel—especially chapter 2—records the fulfillment of this divine purpose. Together these passages provide a unified testimony of God’s redemptive intent in sending His Son into the world. Christ did not appear randomly, nor did He enter human history as a passive observer. He came with a mission—clear, intentional, and eternally designed. Scripture reveals at least five great purposes behind the Savior’s coming: to bring light, life, liberty, leadership, and lasting peace.
A. To Bring Light to the Lost (Isa. 9:2; Luke 2:32)
Isaiah declares, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Humanity was trapped in spiritual blindness—unable to find its way to God, unable to discern truth, unable to escape the shadows of sin. Christ came as “a light to lighten the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). His very presence exposes sin, reveals truth, and guides souls to salvation. No religious system, no human wisdom, and no earthly philosophy can remove spiritual darkness. Only the Light of the world can do that. His purpose was to shine upon those sitting in darkness and lead them into the marvelous light of God’s grace.
B. To Bring Life to the Discouraged (Isa. 9:3; Luke 2:10)
Isaiah’s prophecy speaks of multiplied joy: “They joy before thee according to the joy in harvest.” Luke echoes this theme: “I bring you good tidings of great joy.” Before Christ came, despair covered the land. Israel groaned under Roman occupation, and humanity bore the weight of sin’s curse. Christ came to replace sorrow with joy, despair with hope, and spiritual barrenness with abundant life. His coming means that discouragement is not the believer’s final condition. In Him, joy is not circumstantial—it is covenantal, grounded in the unchanging faithfulness of God.
C. To Bring Liberty to the Bound (Isa. 9:4; Luke 4:18)
Isaiah prophesies that the Messiah will break “the yoke,” “the staff,” and “the rod”—symbols of oppression. Christ later affirmed this mission when He declared that He came “to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18). His liberty is not first political but spiritual. Humanity is bound by sin, guilt, fear, and the power of Satan. Christ alone has the authority to break these chains. Through His death and resurrection, He delivers the captive, lifts the burdened, and frees the enslaved. His purpose was liberation—not from earthly tyrants, but from the tyranny of sin.
D. To Bring Leadership to the World (Isa. 9:6–7; Luke 1:32–33)
Isaiah promises that “the government shall be upon his shoulder,” and Luke records Gabriel’s words that Christ “shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever.” Unlike earthly rulers who are flawed and temporary, Christ rules with perfect righteousness and eternal authority. He came not only to save but to reign—to establish a kingdom characterized by justice, truth, and holiness. His leadership brings stability where human leadership fails.
E. To Bring Lasting Peace to Mankind (Isa. 9:6; Luke 2:14)
The Messiah is called “The Prince of Peace,” and the angels proclaimed, “On earth peace.” Through Christ, sinners may now have peace with God. And in His future kingdom, He will bring peace to the whole earth. His peace is spiritual now and global to come—an everlasting peace only the Son of God can provide.
Thus, the purposes of the Savior’s coming reveal the heart of God—a heart intent on saving, restoring, and ruling His creation through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
As we conclude this study of Isaiah 9 and Luke 2, we are reminded that the coming of Christ stands at the very center of God’s redemptive plan. Isaiah looked forward with prophetic certainty to a Child who would bring light, joy, liberty, righteous leadership, and everlasting peace. Centuries later, Luke recorded with historical clarity the fulfillment of those promises in the birth of Jesus Christ. Together, these passages display the unity of Scripture, the faithfulness of God, and the glory of the Savior who stepped into human history for our salvation.
The prophecy reveals who Christ would be; the Gospel reveals who Christ is. Isaiah announced the Wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Luke shows this promised One lying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes, born not in splendor but in humility. Yet the Child in the manger was the King of eternity, the Light of the world, the Savior of sinners, and the One upon whose shoulder the government will one day rest.
From shepherds in their fields to saints through the ages, God continues to proclaim this good news: “Unto you is born…a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” The message that once illuminated the night sky of Bethlehem still shines today, calling all people to repentance, faith, and worship.
The Prince of Peace came once in humility, and He will come again in glory. His first coming brought salvation; His second will bring full and final peace. Until that day, believers are called to walk in His light, rejoice in His salvation, rejoice in His reign, and proclaim His grace to a darkened world.
Christ has come. Christ still saves. And Christ will come again.
APPLYING THE SCRIPTURE
“The Promise and the Presentation of the Prince of Peace”
Isaiah 9:2–7 & Luke 2:1–14
I. God’s Promise of a Coming Savior (Isaiah 9:2–7)
· Light for the darkened (v. 2): Christ shines into humanity’s spiritual night.
· Joy for the discouraged (v. 3): God brings hope where despair once ruled.
· Deliverance for the oppressed (vv. 4–5): The Messiah breaks every yoke.
· The Person of the Messiah (v. 6): Wonderful Counsellor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
· The certainty of His reign (v. 7): God Himself ensures the fulfillment.
II. God’s Providence in the Savior’s Arrival (Luke 2:1–7)
· A sovereign decree: Caesar’s order fulfills God’s prophecy (Mic. 5:2).
· A scriptural destination: Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem at God’s appointed time.
· A humble birth: No room, swaddling clothes, a manger—Christ comes in lowliness to identify with the least.
III. God’s Proclamation of the Savior’s Birth (Luke 2:8–14)
· The angelic announcement: Fear replaced with good tidings of great joy.
· The identity of the Child: A Savior—His mission; Christ—His office; Lord—His divine authority.
· The heavenly chorus: Glory to God above, peace and goodwill below—all found in Christ alone.