Sunday, December 09, 2007

Some Christmas Themes in the Old Testament


Introduction:

The essence of Christmas is not found in all our traditions and decorations as such. For the Christian believer the essence of Christmas is found in the words of Matthew 1:18-25

  1. Jesus: “…for He will save His people from their sins.”

  2. Immanuel: “…which means, God with us.”


God has come into human history by taking on the form of humanity. His purpose in doing so was to bring redemption to a fallen world. This did not happen all of a sudden, just out of the blue. It was anticipated early in the Story of the history of redemption.

  • 1. The seed

    • Genesis 3: 15 – The retribution of the woman’s seed…

    • Genesis 5:29 - The naming of Noah “Rest”- bringing comfort from the curse…


  • Genesis 22:18 – The promise: Abraham’s seed to be a blessing to all humanity.

  • 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 – The promise to David

  • 2. Messiah as Immanuel

    • Isaiah 7:11. The name of the virgin’s child, Immanuel – God with us.

    • Isaiah 9:4-7

      • Humanity: A child is born

      • Deity:

        1. Wonderful Counselor
        2. Mighty God
        3. Everlasting Father (Picture of the King as being a father to his people.)
        4. Prince of Peace


      • Verse 7 - This child is the one who will fulfill the promise made to David.


    God has been and is working in time and space; (history). We have not been left to ourselves. The God/Man whose name is Immanuel is indeed with His people; all who have trusted and placed their faith in Him. The Christmas story is a critical chapter in that larger Story whose final chapter is yet to be realized.

    {These notes are from a recent Adult Sunday School class I taught.
    ~ The Billy Goat ~}