Jesus did not just come to us…but He came for us.

Coming to us would mean: God just visiting.

Coming for us means purpose.

He came for us—to carry what we could not carry, to pay what we could not afford, and to restore what we could not fix.

OPENING SCRIPTURE:

For unto us A CHILD IS BORN, unto us A SON IS GIVEN; And THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE UPON HIS SHOULDER” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJ)

#1: For unto us a child is born – speaks of the humanity of Jesus.

#2: For unto us a Son is given – speaks of the deity of Jesus

#3: The government shall be upon His shoulder – speaks of the sovereignty of Jesus

WHO IS JESUS CHRIST TO YOU?

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

• The Christmas Story takes a very personal meaning when we are able to recognize the Christ in Christmas.
• Isaiah gives us 4 titles that describe the character and attributes of Christ.

#1: WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

“And His name will be called… Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJ)

The word WONDERFUL here means: MIRACULOUS, MIND BOGGLING

• In Ancient Israel, the title of Counselor was given to a Wise King who has the wisdom to guide his people.
• Since Ahaz was not a wise king, the people not only turned their backs on God, but they would also seek counsel from the enemy, mediums, witchcraft and sorcery
• Isaiah was pleading with the people to turn back to God and recognize Him as The Wonderful Counselor

Only Jesus can hold that title of WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

QUESTION FOR YOU THIS MORNING: WHO IS CHRIST TO YOU?

#2: MIGHTY GOD

“And His name will be called… Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJ)

• Mighty God carries a different meaning, an uncommon title – EL GIBOR
• EL is the singular form of the word ELOHIM for God
• The word GIBOR here describes strength from a military point of view. Military power.
• EL GIBOR in proper context here, is the title that God holds when He goes to battle.
• That’s the same title when he says:

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14 NIV)

That’s the same title he carries when he says:

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV)

Only Jesus can hold that title of MIGHTY GOD (EL GIBOR)

QUESTION FOR YOU THIS MORNING: WHO IS CHRIST TO YOU?

#3: EVERLASTING FATHER

“And His name will be called… Everlasting Father” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJ)

• In ancient times, many rulers like Kings were given the title of “Father of The Nation”. Part of their responsibilities was to protect the people and to provide for the people.
• Isaiah was challenging King Ahaz to surrender that title to the Christ.
• It expresses the Fatherly care of the Messiah

Jesus title as Everlasting Father contradict the Holy Trinity but points to the unity of Christ with The Father.

In John 14:6, 9, Jesus said: “No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  “He who has seen Me has seen the Father”

Only Jesus can hold that title of EVERLASTING FATHER

QUESTION FOR YOU THIS MORNING: WHO IS CHRIST TO YOU?

#4: PRINCE OF PEACE
“And His name will be called… Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJ)

• Isaiah is using this title of Prince of Peace to describe the Messiah’s reign in your life: Jesus is not only the symbol of peace, He is the Prince of Peace!

Only Jesus can hold that title of PRINCE OF PEACE

QUESTION FOR YOU THIS MORNING: WHO IS CHRIST TO YOU?

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27 NKJ)

Hebrew word for peace is Shalom: tranquility, calm, rest, provision.

WHO IS CHRIST TO YOU?

• In Matthew 16 where Jesus asked His disciples this question: “Who do people say that I am?” The answers varied because they had not relationship with Christ.
• But then Jesus turns to His disciples and asked:

“BUT WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?” (Matthew 16:15 NKJ)

CONCLUSION:

I hope your answer this Christmas would be: He is my Messiah: My Wonderful Counselor, My Mighty God, My Everlasting Father, My Prince of Peace

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?