Read Isaiah 9:6-7

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. 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. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6–7)

In the heart of God's promises, we find a fervent zeal - a burning fire of passion and purpose. This zeal, as prophesied by Isaiah, illuminates the profound truth of God's unwavering commitment to His plan of salvation.

These words of Isaiah were spoken nearly 800 years before Christ was born, and were given to the people of Israel at a time when they had fallen away from God. Alas! — they were even on the verge of being taken captive because of their wickedness! But it is right here, in the middle of the dark judgment, that a promise from God comes forth as a shining light — a promise made with such fervor and zeal that it could not be stopped. God promised to send His only begotten Son into the world.

Yes, the zeal of the Lord is like a mighty blaze, an unquenchable and all-consuming fire. Unlike human zeal, which is often fleeting and influenced by our frailties, God's zeal is pure, righteous, and unstoppable. It's a divine fire, kindled by His perfect love and justice, aiming to fulfill His sovereign will.

Beloved, we must consider how this zeal manifests in the gift of Christ. God's passion for you brought forth Jesus into our world, not with grandeur and might, but in humble form — a child born unto us. This very act of giving, the incarnation of the Son of God, was fueled by God's intense desire for our redemption.

Let us take note of three ways in which God manifested His zeal for us in Christ.

First, through the Incarnation of the Son of God, for “unto us a Child is born!” Hear that, Beloved! Christ was not sent in chariots of fire. He was not sent on angels’ wings or in the Shekinah glory. He was not sent with a voice of thunder, or with a crown on His head, or a Royal robe on His back, or a sword in His hand. Christ was sent unto us as a Child born! Hallelujah! Yes, Christ's coming to us as a humble child signifies God's intimate approach in bridging the gap between divinity and humanity. In the vulnerability of a baby in a manger, the zeal of the Lord shines brightly, heralding a new era of grace and truth.

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”” (Luke 2:11–12)

Second, God manifested His zeal through the Giving of the Son of God, for “unto us a Son is given.” Notice the subtle, but profound change from the first line to the second line. The first line speaks of the incarnation of God in becoming a child. The second line speaks of the Son of God being given for us. Jesus, the Son, is God's ultimate gift to mankind. His life, death, and resurrection encapsulate the depth of God's zeal — a relentless pursuit to restore our broken relationship with Him. In Christ, we see the culmination of God's promise, a testament to His steadfast zeal.

What more can God do to save people from hell? He did not spare His own Son!

“He did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all...” (Romans 8:32)

Third, and last of all, God manifested His zeal by establishing the Kingdom of the Son of God, for “the government will be upon His shoulder... of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end... to order it and establish it... forever.”

This prophecy of Isaiah points to a kingdom governed by Christ — a reign of peace, justice, and righteousness. This kingdom, born of God's zeal, is an everlasting one, transcending time and space, offering hope and assurance to all who will come to Him by faith.

Just as the Angel declared to Mary —

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31–33)

Dear Beloved of God, as we reflect on the zeal of the Lord, let it ignite in us a renewed sense of awe and gratitude. Christ, the greatest gift born out of God's fervent zeal, offers us salvation and a place in His eternal kingdom. This Christmas, let us embrace this gift with open hearts, rejoicing in the knowledge of the Lord who has performed this wondrous act of love. Let us lay aside our idols, our entitlements, and our wishlists. Let us live content knowing that our souls are redeemed, and we are already rich in Christ!

For there is born a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord.