And now the LORD says, He who formed Me from the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him; and that Israel might be gathered to Him—for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become My strength—
Isaiah 49:5 (ESV)
A baby born in Bethlehem—formed from the womb to save the world—this is the story of Christmas!
What child is this who laid to rest on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping.
This, this is Christ the King whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud. the babe, the son of Mary.
Jesus is this child. He is the Suffering Servant Messiah who will bring wandering Israel back to the Lord. Jewish believers constituted the first Church, and a remnant will be restored in connection with our Lord’s second coming.
Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and donkeys are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spears shall pierce Him through, the cross He bore for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary.
Despite their history God is still Israel’s Redeemer, their Holy One. Even though many people do not know Him and even some of His people despise their Messiah, yet kings and princes have acknowledged Him, and bow down to worship Him, recognizing that the God of Israel chose the Messiah. He is the solution to their problems.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king, to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high, The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for Christ is born, The babe, the Son of Mary.
It is not enough for this child to rise up and restore Israel, He also is the Messiah appointed to be “a light to the Gentiles.” This restoration involves conversion and salvation. He was formed from the womb to be God’s salvation to the whole world—and Jesus gave the Great Commission for us to spread the good news that Christmas reminds us this salvation has arrived!
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.