For the next few weeks, we will be talking about the Bible verses that speak to us about Christmas. Initially I thought about blogging over the best Christmas movies, but it is a little more “die hard” if we started with Scripture rather than movies! Let’s get to it:
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
I felt like I had to start with this verse because it was written 400 years before the birth of Christ! This is one of the 456 prophecies that the Messiah had to fulfill, and it is the toughest prophecy to fulfill. Some of the other prophecies could have been organized by a zealous pretender. The prophecies about His side being pierced Him being spit upon could have been done to a crazy cult leader seeking fame and fortune. Place of birth and family lineage prophecies would weed out a lot of loony toons wannabes, but the virgin birth… This miracle rules out all the nut-job counterfeits. It’s biologically impossible for someone to be born of a virgin, and that’s the whole point of the virgin birth! The virgin birth was the ultimate proof that God had moved in among us. Jesus had no earthly father. He was tied to human lineage thru his mom and step dad. All the other prophecies could begin to be revealed. The virgin birth was the first of 456 prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, and that sounds just as impossible as the first. BUT it’s true! Jesus did them all. His birth was supernatural and He is still doing miracles to this day.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
Jesus turns cold hard stone hearts into hearts that can beat with a purpose. He can take a selfish sin filled heart and transform it to a heart that lives for His glory! God Himself can come and dwell in humans! Holy Spirit dwells in every Jesus Follower and that is miracle that I don't have to look to ancient prophecy for! I just need to look in the mirror. Merry Christmas!
Your Favorite Church Planter
-Mike Watt
