Week 1 / He Came Near in the Manger (The Miracle of Christ’s Birth)

The Promise Foretold

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7

SOAP***: Isaiah 9:6-7

"For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called Wonderful Adviser, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (NET)

Into the Text

The miracle of all miracles came to us in the humblest of forms: a baby with no worldly status. The One who had the power to set the stars in motion chose to come to those with no power at all. As a baby lying in a manger, He came so that He could be near. Near to the brokenhearted. Near to sin-soaked people so that they could receive the healing they desperately needed.

Thousands of years before His birth, Isaiah 9:6 foretold the promise of His arrival.

He first came near as a baby. But ultimately He came as the answer to God's long-awaited promise to man. To those needing wisdom, He came as a Wonderful Adviser. To those feeling their weakness, He came as Mighty God. To the lonely, rejected, and those longing for the perfect father, He came as their Everlasting Father. And for those needing peace, He came as our Prince of Peace.

Our mess, sin, and brokenness do not make Jesus pull back. Instead, they cause Him to draw near.

What was promised long ago is here with us now. He draws near to those He came to rescue. God knew we couldn't fix ourselves, so He gave His One and Only Son, Jesus. We can now draw near to God as He draws near us.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your nearness. Thank you for drawing near to me in my brokenness and for bringing hope to my weary heart. Amen.

***SOAP Method

S – SCRIPTURE
Physically write out the Bible verse
You’ll be amazed at what God will reveal to you when you slow down to write or meditate on what you are reading!

O – OBSERVATION
What do you see in the verses you’re reading?
Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? What words stand out to you? What is the main lesson or theme?

A – APPLICATION
When God’s Word becomes personal
What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my life? Are there any changes I need to make?

P – PRAYER
Pray God’s Word back to Him
If He has revealed something to you during this time in His Word, pray about it. Confess if He has revealed some sin that is in your life. Take time to thank Him for His goodness in your life.