For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given.
(Isaiah 9:6 NIV)
When my brother was born (after six girls!), it truly was good news for our family and friends. After all, in the culture I come from, having a son is a big deal (I still think girls are just as awesome!). My brother has been loved and favoured since the day of his birth. He is special in many ways, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.
So I can imagine the joy of all the earth when God’s only Son, Jesus, was born. His birth had been foretold and anticipated for many centuries. We can hear the excitement in Isaiah’s voice as he announces the arrival of God’s Son, the Redeemer, in today’s passage. Jesus has been loved and favoured since that first Christmas by all who have been waiting for His arrival. He holds a special place in the hearts of all those who seek Him. And while I don’t favour a particular gender, the Christmas story is the only exception where I’m glad it’s a boy.
“Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.”
Rising with the Son 