The Big Reveal

When I had my babies the doctors never took a sonogram unless there was a problem.  So we never knew ahead of time whether we were having a baby boy or a baby girl.  But now, sonograms are a routine part of prenatal care.  At about 18 to 20 weeks into the pregnancy, the sonogram is able to show, with greater than 90% accuracy, the gender of the unborn baby.  Many parents use this opportunity to throw a "reveal" party for their family and friends when they announce the sex of their baby. Sometimes the "reveal" is done with a cake as Mom and Dad cut into the white cake, revealing either pink or blue filling.  Some, like my friend Krista, used a box full of helium filled balloons.  When she opened the box, the blue balloons floated to the ceiling accompanied by shrieks of excitement and applause by all.

As we approach the Christmas season, I think of "The Big Reveal" the world was given by the prophet, Isaiah, sometime between 701 and 681 B.C.  He told us, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6, 21st Century King James Version)  Isaiah told us there would be a son.  There were no balloons, no cake with blue filling.  And this proclamation was not made just 20 weeks before Jesus was born, after Mary was half-way through her pregnancy.  This news was given over 680 years before He was born!

Isaiah also told us about the mother of Jesus.  "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."  (Isaiah 7:14, 21st Century King James Version) 

He also told us about the crucifixion of Christ.  "But he was pierced for our transgressions.  He was crushed for our iniquities.  The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed."  (Isaiah 53:5, World English Bible) 

And he also told us that we should seek out this Christ who was given to us to be our Savior, our Lord.  "Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.  Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon."  (Isaiah 55:6-7, New King James Version)

This gift of God is the best Christmas gift anyone could ever receive.  It is a gift that is eternal -- it has an unlimited, unconditional warranty, it fits everyone, it meets all our needs, it never goes out of style, and best of all, it is free to us.  It was paid for by Jesus Christ, with his blood on the cross of Calvary.

Another "Big Reveal" was accomplished in the life of Jesus.  He came as a man, yet fully God. He revealed to us all that God is -- Able, boundless, compassionate, defender, everlasting, faithful, gracious, holy, immutable, just, kind, loving, merciful, near, omniscient, powerful, quiet, righteous, strong, trustworthy, understanding, victorious, wise, "x-act," yearning for a relationship with us, zealous in His love for us... Jesus was able to reveal God to us because He is God! 1 Timothy 3:16 (21st Century King James Version) says: "And beyond controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." And Jesus Himself said, "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30, King James Version)

I hope that you know the peace and joy that comes from knowing the Savior that Isaiah revealed to the world in his prophecy over 2600 years ago, whose birth we celebrate at this Christmas season.  And I hope that you will keep "The Big Reveal" at the center of your Christmas plans and celebration.  My prayer for you this week is from Isaiah 55:12:  "(I pray that) you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace;"