As Christmas is nigh upon us, I wanted to take this moment to share you with you a Christmas message that I hope lifts your hearts...

I want to take this verse and really break it down to bring forth the richness of the Hebrew:

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

A Child is born - Jesus became flesh and lived a life just like us but without sin. He spent 9 months in Mary's womb, learned to walk, read, speak, everything a child would have to go through. Why? So that He would be intimately acquainted with every aspect of our lives AND was victorious:

Hebrews 4:15 King James Version (KJV)

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

But here's the best part:

A Son is given - the word son is ben (bane) in Hebrew. It comes from a word meaning to build; a son (as a builder of the family name). To me, this is significant. Why? Because a child can't build... it can't lead... it can't provide for his family, but a Son can... A Son is mature and can exercise authority and power as the Heir... And that's at the heart of this message...

And what does the Son have on His Shoulders? The Government...

The word in Hebrew is misrah (mis-raw') from sarah meaning to prevail; the word misrah means have power as a prince; empire.

Our Son is King... He rules with love and His Word is Power and Final... And do you want to know what His Word is to you this Christmas?

"...“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself." - Jeremiah 31:3 NLT

God is no longer far away and neither are we:

"But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." - Ephesians 2:13 NASB

God is closer to you than a whisper... His love for you is unquenchable, unstoppable, unmovable....

FOR unto us a Son is GIVEN...

FORGIVEN... This is your gift child of God enjoy it... relish it... share it with others...