Imagine a world where Jesus had not yet been born. In this world, the Gentiles, everyone who wasn't Jewish, had little knowledge or even concept of who God was. Ruth and Rahab are examples of two non Jewish women who did know of God. Yet, in this world, the Jewish nation awaited a Messiah foretold by the prophets — prophecies of Jesus' birth that revealed a Savior. This coming Messiah would return Israel to an even greater glory than they had known under King David. This Messiah was not God, many believed, but he would rule the nations and bring peace.
But the prophets also spoke of a Messiah that seemed out of place, one who was not born like a man. Born of a virgin, He would be the One who brings light to the world, One who is known as Mighty God, and Prince of Peace. But also One who would suffer and die. For the Jewish world it was hard to reconcile these prophecies. They could not understand how a King would be born and yet not rule. They could not understand how a king could also be a suffering servant.
When we look back in time, Christians can see both. The Messiah who would be born in a stable and suffer and die for our sins, as well as the conquering ruler of the nations, the Messiah that will return in all of His glory.
The Messiah Foretold: Prophecies of Jesus' Birth.
Let's read the story of Jesus's birth from the writers of the Old Testament. Isaiah the prophet has more to say about the birth of Jesus than any other Old Testament author. Most scholars date his writing to the period of 740-701 B.C.
The Birth Foretold by Isaiah
In his writings we find the first reference to the birth of Jesus to a virgin. In Isaiah 7:14 the prophet tells us this and adds that His name shall be called Immanuel which means "God with us." This verse foretells the fact that Jesus was both human and divine in nature. In this way the Word literally became flesh (John 1:14). His physical body came from His mother, while His spiritual nature was eternal and holy (John 6:69). In Matthew 1:22-23, Matthew states that this was the fulfillment of the prophesy of Isaiah made some 700 years before.
Again in Isaiah 9:6, we are told that a child will be born, a son given, whose name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Just as the angels proclaimed to the shepherds in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Earlier in this chapter Isaiah speaks of a great light coming to a place of deep darkness. He mentions the gloriousness of the "Galilee of the nations." Nazareth, Jesus' hometown was located in Galilee. Interestingly, Jews interpret these scriptures to refer to King Hezekiah.
Tracing Jesus’s Lineage Through David
Finally, in Isaiah 11:1-5, we read of One who is from the root of the stem of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David and Jesus could trace his ancestry back to King David through Joseph his earthly 'adopted' father (Matthew 1). Matthew traces Jesus' ancestry through David's son, Solomon. Jesus' ancestry could be traced by blood through his mother Mary (Luke 3). Luke follows the line of Mary through David's son, Nathan. Most Bible scholars feel this interpretation explains the difference in the names found in each lineage.
The Spirit-Filled Messiah
According to Isaiah, this man would have the Spirit of the Lord resting on Him. He would also have the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might and the Spirit of Knowledge and Fear of the Lord. This is a Man who would judge with righteousness and equity. A man who would slay the wicked and be girded with righteousness and faithfulness. In Revelation 19:11, the rider of the White Horse, Jesus, is identified as "faithful and true".
Micah’s Prophecy and the Bread of Life
Many scholars believe the book of Micah was written between 750 and 700 B.C. Micah speaks of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:10 describes the fulfillment of this scripture. And oh, how fitting, as Bethlehem literally means "House of Bread". The Son of God, the Bread of Life (John 6:35), born to us in Bethlehem.
Out of Egypt: The Fulfillment in Hosea
In Hosea 11:1, probably written between 755 and 725 B.C., Hosea says, "out of Egypt I have called my Son". This verse refers to two things. The freeing of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and looking forward in time, it refers to the fact that Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Egypt to escape the slaughter of the infants by Herod. Matthew 2:14-15 speak of this.
Genesis and the Promise of a Savior
From the very beginning, in the book of Genesis, Moses tells us that from the descendants of Eve would come a woman whose child would be the Savior. This child would "crush the head of the serpent"(Genesis 3:15) which refers to the defeat of Satan.
The Blessing Through Abraham’s Lineage
In Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham that through him all peoples will be blessed. This blessing came when Jesus was born. His salvation was not just for the Jew but also for the Gentile. Through His birth, death, and resurrection literally all peoples have been blessed.
Reflecting on the Birth of the Savior
Other Old Testament prophecies talk about the life and suffering of Jesus but during this Christmas season let's remember the ones that talk about the birth of the Savior of the world to a lost and dying planet. These scriptures assure us that Jesus was the lamb slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). The one foretold to reconcile us with our blessed Father. He will wash our sins white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).
Looking Forward to the Conquering King
This Christmas let us be thankful that we live in a world that not only can look back on Jesus's birth and life, but can look forward to the day when He will come again as the conquering King, when all creation will praise His name.
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