POINT OF INSPIRATION DEVOTIONAL
Robert D. Pace
In 800 BC Isaiah prophesied: “Unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given.” While Isaiah is known for his pinpoint prophecies and literary genius, this artful statement is more than poetic beauty. Hidden within this prophetic acclamation of Christ is a deep and mysterious proposition that portrays the ‘birth of a child’ and the ‘giving of a Son’. What did Isaiah mean?
Months before Christ’s birth the issue had been settled. With their engagement announced, Joseph would take Mary as his wife. But how do you suppose Joseph felt when Mary announced the news of her coming child? Certainly Joseph had issues to resolve, but the wonders of God do not come without confirmation. Shortly after Joseph heard of Mary’s ‘expectancy’ an angel appeared to him with the assurance that Mary’s child was of divine origin. And Joseph believed and accepted God’s affirmation. In full faith Joseph was at Mary’s side when she gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem.
There He was, lying in the manger with angels, animals, and shepherds nearby. Closest of all, were Mary and Joseph peering into the face of the promised King. And their thoughts could not have been more dissimilar. Can you picture it? As Mary looked into the manger she thought, “That’s my child.” And she was right. Jesus was “bone of her bone and flesh of her flesh.” But Joseph’s contemplation contradicted Mary’s when he thought, “That’s not my child!” And Joseph was also correct because Jesus was the Son of the Most High God! It is here that the mystery of Isaiah’s prose emerges: From Mary “a child is born” and Jesus is fully human. But conceived of the Spirit, “a Son is given” and Christ is fully God. It’s the grand mystery of the Incarnation.
Unto us a Son is given.”