Unto Us

"Unto us a Son is given," the verse says (Isa 9:6). There are a lot of names -- Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God ... that sort of thing -- and we often spend time analyzing and enjoying those names. But think about the starting idea for a moment. "Unto us a Son is given."

I don't know about you, but I find that astounding. Speaking of Christ's death, Paul wrote, "For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom 5:7-8) That's the idea that astounds me. While we were yet sinners, unto us a Son is given. God the Father gave His Son to us. It's not like we're some treasure. It's not like He was gaining something wonderful at the expense of His Son when He sent Him to save us. But ... unto us a Son is given.

The reality is that it was to God's benefit that He sent His Son for sinners. He received glory. He was highly glorified in the gift of His Son to sinners. As the psalmist says, "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth." (Psa 115:1)

The day is just around the corner when we engage in our annual celebration of God's amazing gift. It was for us, but not. Christ was given to us not because we're a treasure, but because He is. But we get to take part. And that is astounding.