Everyday there are children born into this world. Those births are very significant to the parents who anticipated the day and look ahead to what that child might become. For some of those births there is more of A STIR than others. Monday, July 22, 2013, there was a birth in England greatly anticipated by both the media and by citizenry not only in England, but around the world. There was wonder as to whether it would be a prince or a princess who would be in the line of royalty. That wonder was even accompanied by bets being wagered not only on the gender, but also the date of the birth, the name that would be chosen, and many other things associated with this coming child. Monday, the news was announced and greeted with cheers that a prince had been born. Now THE STIR continues with guesses as to what this child will eventually be named; a name I understand will have to be approved by the Queen.
Many years before what I would say was the most significant birth in the history of man, God revealed through His prophet Isaiah. . .
“(6) For TO US A CHILD IS BORN, to us A SON IS GIVEN; and THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE UPON HIS SHOULDER, and HIS NAME shall be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE. (7) Of the INCREASE OF HIS GOVERNMENT AND OF PEACE there will be NO END, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness FROM THIS TIME FORTH AND FOREVERMORE. The zeal of THE LORD OF HOSTS WILL DO THIS.” (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV)
Of this birth, many lived in great anticipation. (i.e. Simeon at the temple, Luke 2:25-36) There was A STIR among shepherds as they were told of the birth (Luke 2:8-20) and among some wise men who traveled from the east to seek Him out. (Matthew 2:1-12). There was also A STIR within government circles as Herod became alarmed at the thought of the rising of A KING. (Matthew 2:2-3 & 16) There continues to be A STIR within the hearts of all who have come to know Jesus and the salvation He came to provide. Today, His reign continues and we are blessed citizens of His eternal kingdom.
I in no way wish to minimize the beloved addition to the family of Prince William and Duchess Kate. Perhaps we should keep them in prayer for the challenges they might face raising a child in the often intrusive eyes of the world. However, the birth of Jesus — God becoming flesh to live among us (Matthew 1:23; John 1:1-2 & 14) — remains a significant acknowledgment for the world today, having implications for the present life and for the eternity to come. Praise God for the Holy Monarchy under which we are presently blessed to live. Because of Jesus, eternal hope can remain STIRRED UP in our heart. May we continue to share the Good News so that the hearts of others may BE STIRRED.
Have a great day REVEALING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS IN OUR DAILY LIFE! – Carl Hanson
“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. www.porttownsendchurchofchrist.org
Some previous “teEn-MAIL” focuses may be viewed at http://www.teenmailbiblestudy.org
