Messiah

There are about 400 years that exist between the *end* of the Old Testament and the *beginning* of the New Testament in the bible. The Old Testament is prophetic in nature and foretells of the birth, death, and resurrection of the coming Messiah. The bible is called Holy partly because of the many prophecies within it that have actually came to be. God's perfect plan for His people has always been that a savior would be born to us, a redeemer, one who would be anointed to carry away the burdens of our life. One who would offer us redemption and hope. He is Jesus. The name Jesus means "God saves". Immanuel means "God with us". These are holy names, for a holy God. God in flesh, who Himself came to earth, to die - to overcome death and destruction - so that he would be resurrected again so that WE might be resurrected or "born-again". It is when we truly lose our life [by surrendering it to God, as a living sacrifice - by dying to sin, dying to self, taking up HIS cross that we might be resurrected] that we truly gain life...life in Christ...life of peace, joy, and hope. With Christ in us we are more than conquerors. We are given the keys to heaven and hell and what we bind on earth (darkness and sin) is bound in heaven and what we loose on earth (peace, hope, love) is loosed in heaven. Thank you God that you came to earth in flesh, as a man, as a son - Jesus. Thank you that you carried our burdens of sin, shame, fear, guilt, and suffering all the way up that hill to Calvary. Thank you that you died on the cross, and that you rose again and overcame the grave, death, and darkness. Thank you that you showed us the way to living a resurrected life by accepting your free gift of salvation simply by accepting Jesus as our savior and making Him the Lord of our lives. Jesus, we ask you to lead us as we make decisions in our lives, as we pray, as we seek more of You.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

About 400 years later:

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. Luke 2:11-14