A Child is Born: Isa. 9:6

This morning as I came downstairs to pray I was humming Handel's Messiah, the wording comes from Isaiah 9:

Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7 NIV
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. [3] You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

[6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

The day of the Lord's visitation, the day of His birth was a day of incredible blessing. Jesus revealed to us the Holy Spirit the wonderful counselor, showed us the Father, gave proof of God's love, justice and righteousness, in Himself made peace between the Father and all people, and demonstrated the power of God! The people of Israel were looking for King to rule them, but He was so much more. They were looking for a great human king, and kingdom to be established. He brought forth a heavenly kingdom on earth. The signs of Kingdom were cleansing, healing, miracles, deliverance and raising of the dead. His Kingdom is still present and still active in our day, as Isaiah correctly prophesied - "He will reign ... over His Kingdom...from that time on and forever!"

Finally it is the 'zeal' of the Lord almighty that will accomplish this. The Hebrew word here translated zeal, has a bit more depth. The word is Qin'ah:

Definition
1. ardour, zeal, jealousy
a. ardour, jealousy, jealous disposition (of husband)
1. sexual passion
b. ardour of zeal (of religious zeal)
1. of men for God
2. of men for the house of God
3. of God for his people

If you look at the three main words ardor, zeal and jealousy, they speak of a burning passion, a fervent pursuit, and protectiveness all based out of love and desire for another. This is how the Lord views us...passionately loving us, pursuing us, protecting us and guarding us, desiring that we love Him alone.

That burning love and passion for us is what caused Jesus to come to earth, born as a baby boy, and become as we are so that forever a way might be open to the Father, and we might enjoy sweet fellowship with Him. Lord, help us to recognize Your burning love for us today!