Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
God who has the power and capability has said he will preserve the throne of David until the Prince of Peace is seated there to rule. And in these verses Isaiah expresses the birth of Christ, who is a wonderful counselor, Mighty God himself, everlasting Father of all creation and the one who brings peace to all. God’s desire is to advance the kingdom of Christ among all.
The Olde English word for Christmas is Cristes Maesse, which means The Mass of Christ. The word has been noted back to 1038. There were feasts dating back to 200 A.D. in celebration of Christ’s birth. Throughout history in the cities of Alexandria, Cyprus, Mesopotamia, Armenia, Asia Minor, Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, Rome, there were notations of the celebration of Christ although celebration dates varied from one area to another. As history is explored there are many traditions that created themselves along with the celebration of the birth of Christ. Some pagan customs which were centered on other traditions migrated to those of a celebration of Christmas. Hand written cards and presents became part of the tradition of remembering Christ. The Christmas trees developed out of celebrations which included greenery. The first noted Christmas Tree was in Strasburg in 1605. But no matter where the origin, no matter how the event was first celebrated, the celebrations were born to commemorate the birth of Christ into this world. Christmas cards, Christmas gifts, Christmas Trees, Christmas meals, all of those were put in place to recognize Christ and the miraculous birth which took place. There may be some who try to remove Christ from Christmas. They may try to remove traditions which have become a part of the celebration. But Isaiah reminds us the passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will preserved the throne of David through Christ and His kingdom will be established. Remember what Christ has done for you and give Him Honor, Praise and Glory this Christmas.