DEVOTION 12/24, Mighty God.

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, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Isaiah not only prophesied that the coming Messiah would be wonderful (yesterday’s devotion) but also said of the Messiah that He is the mighty God.  Here we are introduced to the doctrine of the Trinity. There is but one God, but He exists eternally in three Persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The babe born in a manger that first Christmas is the mighty God. Our minds stagger at that truth. God Himself, in the person of God the Son, came to earth to redeem us. The mighty Son of God was willing to come to us in humble circumstances. Paul says He emptied Himself and took the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5ff). While Jesus was God, He did not always use His divine power while on earth.  He lived as we do, dependent on the Father.

As God, He could have destroyed those who nailed Him to a cross. He voluntarily went to the cross to atone for our sins. The God we offended is the same God who acted to save us. What amazing love! There is a line in the hymn “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” that says it all. “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate deity.” What a fantastic story and the good news is that it is true.

Lord Jesus, I thank You that You were willing to leave the glories of heaven for a time to redeem me. Your love overwhelms me. I praise Your holy name now and forever. Amen.