As we enter the Christmas season, we are drawn to reflect on the profound significance of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a time to marvel at the greatness of God’s love for us, a love so vast and deep that He gave His only Son to be born in humble circumstances, live among us, and ultimately offer Himself for our salvation. The book of Isaiah prophesies the coming of this great gift in Isaiah 9:6-7, which says:
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7, NASB)
This scripture paints a beautiful picture of the gift we have in Jesus. As we approach this Christmas season, it is important to embrace a heart of gratitude—joyful, unshakable appreciation for the gift that God has given us through His Son. Gratitude, in its purest form, is a response to the knowledge that Christ has come to us as the ultimate expression of God’s love. Today, I want to share four powerful ways we can illuminate our hearts with gratitude during this season as we reflect on the birth of our Savior.
Gratitude for the Gift of Jesus Christ
Isaiah 9:6 opens with the prophetic declaration, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us.” Beloved, Jesus is a gift given to us by God. He is the fulfillment of God’s promises, the answer to our deepest needs, and the hope for our future. This Christmas, we must pause and reflect on this extraordinary gift. The fact that the Creator of the universe chose to step into the world as a humble child should fill our hearts with gratitude.
We did not earn this gift, nor could we ever repay it. The gift of Jesus is not based on our merit but on God’s grace and love for us. He came to us as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. Each of these titles is a reminder of the goodness and greatness of God. This child who was born for us brings peace to our hearts, guidance to our minds, and eternal security to our souls. What an incredible reason to be thankful!
Application:
Take time during this Christmas season to reflect on the incredible gift of Jesus Christ. Let gratitude fill your heart as you remember that He is the Wonderful Counselor who guides you, the Mighty God who empowers you, the Eternal Father who loves you, and the Prince of Peace who brings calm to your soul. Allow this gratitude to fuel your worship and deepen your relationship with Him.
Gratitude for the Peace He Brings
Isaiah 9:6 continues with the title of Jesus as the “Prince of Peace.” One of the greatest gifts we can experience this Christmas is the peace that Jesus brings into our hearts. In a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and struggle, the peace of Christ is a shining light that illuminates our lives. It’s a peace that surpasses understanding, a peace that guards our hearts and minds in every season of life.
This peace is not simply the absence of conflict but the presence of God's peace that transcends all circumstances. When we experience the peace of Christ, we can find rest in His promises, comfort in His presence, and hope for the future. It is a peace that assures us that, no matter what may come our way, God is in control and He is with us every step of the journey.
Application:
During this season, when you may feel overwhelmed or anxious, allow the peace of Christ to wash over you. Practice gratitude for the peace He offers, and let that peace be a source of strength and encouragement in your life. As you reflect on His birth, let His peace fill your heart and mind, and share that peace with those around you.
Gratitude for the Justice He Establishes
Isaiah 9:7 says, “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness.” Jesus came not only as a humble child but as the King of a kingdom that will never end. His reign is one of justice and righteousness, and He works to establish and uphold justice in the world.
In a world where injustice often seems rampant, we can be grateful that Jesus is the ultimate source of justice. His kingdom is founded on righteousness, and He will one day bring perfect justice to all things. This should give us hope and encourage us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that God will make all things right in His time.
Application:
This Christmas season, as you reflect on the justice that Jesus brings, ask yourself how you can be an instrument of God’s justice in the world. Let gratitude for His just reign motivate you to advocate for righteousness, compassion, and fairness in your community. Stand firm in the assurance that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.
Gratitude for the Eternal Hope He Offers
Finally, Isaiah 9:7 reminds us that Jesus’ reign will be established “from then on and forevermore.” The birth of Jesus is not just a moment in history; it is the beginning of God’s eternal plan for humanity. Through Jesus, we have eternal hope. The hope of salvation, the hope of eternal life, and the hope that one day, all things will be made new.
This eternal hope is something we can be deeply grateful for, especially in a world that is often filled with fleeting pleasures and temporary circumstances. As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that our hope is secure in Him. No matter what we face in this life, we can look forward with confidence to the eternal future we have in Christ.
Application:
This Christmas, let the hope of Christ’s eternal kingdom fill your heart with joy. As you celebrate His birth, remember that the story of Jesus is not just about His arrival in a manger but about the eternal life He offers to all who believe in Him. Live each day with a heart full of gratitude for the hope that anchors your soul.
Beloved, this Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let gratitude illuminate your heart. Let it remind you of the precious gift of Jesus Christ, the peace He brings, the justice He establishes, and the eternal hope He offers. May this season be a time of reflection, worship, and deep gratitude for all that God has done for us through His Son.
Let this gratitude shine brightly in your life, not just during Christmas, but every day as you walk in the light of God’s love and grace. May you experience the fullness of joy that comes from knowing Jesus, and may your heart be filled with appreciation for the amazing gift of salvation.