A Child is Born!

Christmas Message from Bishop Stephen Ollivierre, Presiding Bishop of the SVG District, Pentecostal Assembly of the West Indies

AS WE CELEBRATE this Christmas, we should reflect on the birth of a Child who has transformed the world and our lives. Isaiah 9:6 states, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given.” The prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 was given during a period of great darkness and despair for the kingdom of Judah. In this context, Isaiah offers a message of hope: a promise of a child who will bring light to darkness, deliverance from oppression, and the establishment of a righteous and eternal kingdom.

The Promise of the Child

The opening words of Isaiah 9:6 emphasize the dual nature of this promised figure: “For to us a child is born.” This highlights the Messiah’s humanity, pointing to the incarnation when Jesus Christ took on human flesh (John 1:14), fulfilling this part of the prophecy. “To us a son is given.”

The term “given” signifies that this Son is a divine gift from God, aligning with passages such as John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son.”

Titles like Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace further highlight the divine nature of the Son.

These titles portray Him with attributes of deity.

This announcement was sent very early.While some birth announcements are sent shortly after a baby is born, others are sent a bit later. In most cases, they are all sent after the birth. This one, however, is different- it was sent before the birth.

Consider the Prophecies about Jesus found in the Old Testament-The promise of the serpent’s defeat.

Right from the start, we see a powerful promise in Genesis 3:15 that points to ultimate victory.

God declares, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed.

He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” This sets the stage for the One who would conquer evil, igniting a hope that runs throughout Scripture.

Born of a Virgin

Long before the manger in Bethlehem, Prophet Isaiah foretold an extraordinary sign: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive

and give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).The name, meaning “God with us,” encapsulates the truth of Jesus’ identity-the greatest gift of God’s presence among people.

A King from Bethlehem

The small town of Bethlehem is prominently mentioned in Micah 5:2, which states, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah…out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are of old, from ancient times.” This prophecy challenged many religious scholars of the era; however, it precisely indicated the humble birthplace of the Messiah.

Fulfilment of the Prophecies in the New Testament The authors of the New Testament strongly reference Isaiah’s messianic prophecies, viewing them as fulfilled in Jesus. Although the gospel stories do not quote Isaiah 9:6-7 verbatim in the Nativity accounts, they link Jesus to David’s throne, portray Him as the Son who receives an eternal kingdom, and highlight His divine nature. (Luke 1:32-33; John 1:1, 14).

The angelic message to Mary in Luke 1:32-33 echoes Isaiah’s prophecy: He will be highly exalted and called the Son of the Most High.The Lord God will grant him David’s throne. 33,and he will rule over Israel forever; his kingdom will have no end!”The idea of an everlasting kingdom through a Davidic descendant matches exactly with Isaiah 9:7.

We should be grateful for this birth. Jesus Christ came to earth mainly to save humanity from sin, reconcile people to God, and offer eternal life. Such a selfless act, because He loves mankind, John 3:16.

As we reflect on this birth, remember that He died and rose again. He sacrificed Himself so that we all could be saved from sin and live with Him forever.

Thank God for His amazing love!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, prosperous New Year.