The word “light” in the Bible makes an interesting study. The above verse is the first reference to “light” in the Bible.

The verse before this one reveals that there was only darkness before God created light (vs. 2). It is also a picture of spiritual light and darkness. The world today is in spiritual darkness until the Lord Jesus brings His light – or truth that can dispel the darkness and ignorance about spiritual things.

John 1:5 says that when Jesus came to earth: “the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” It is important to note that when Jesus came, there were already many established religions. The Bible calls them all “darkness” because they do not have or know God’s light.

Christ’s light and truth was very strange to many people. Although the Jews had the Word of God (Old Testament), the focus of teaching had twisted God’s real meaning and ignored other parts. The Word was accurate – but not correctly understood. The same is true of many versions of Christianity today.

The light and truth Jesus presented was too bright for them and exposed personal sin like no other religion had ever done. Some opposed the light for this reason: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil“ (John 3:19).

Now, notice the next verse also: “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” This verse reveals that those who choose to live evil and sinful lives not only hate the light, but they stay away from it. It makes it so much harder for them to ever get saved.

In spite of this fact, Jesus came into the world “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk. 19:10). He showed us that God loves the sinner – but hates the sin. Jesus, death of the cross paid the price for all – but it must be received. There is no one that cannot be saved. His love has also made it easy for anyone to be saved and know it: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16).

These verses give enough light so that anyone can be saved through them. Salvation through Jesus Christ comes when a sinner is ready to turn from sin and ask Him to save them. They must believe that only Jesus can save them and that He will when they ask.

Have you taken this step and can you say today that you know God has forgiven you of your sins and given you eternal life? If not, why not call on Him today and settle the matter of your eternal destiny?

In addition to the various prophecies of Christ’s birth already looked at on this blog, another very important one needs to be considered this Christmas season. The above verse reveals several glorious characteristics of the coming Messiah and Savior.

The first phrase in the verse is certainly unique. It says: “a child is born, unto us a son is given.” Notice that the Child is born: this speaks of Christ’s humanity. His human nature was born of Mary in a stable and then laid in a manger. The human body that Christ wore on Earth had a beginning – it began in Mary when she conceived.

After that phrase, it says: “a son is given.” Notice that the son was not born, but He was “given.” The phrase points to His Divinity and eternal existence. An eternal Deity cannot be born since He always was and always will be.

The first verse in the Gospel of John confirms this part of Isaiah 9:6 when it says: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Then, it is understood that the Word is speaking of Jesus when, just a few verses later, it says: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The One Who was with God in the beginning became flesh – and His character and life revealed that He was truly God.

This truth is then followed by another one: “the government shall be upon his shoulder.” The phrase is a clear reference to the One the Jews were waiting for – a son (descendant) of David that God promised would one day rule forever. And once He comes, He will sit on the throne of David, and of “peace there shall be no end.”

Then there are the names that this “Son” would bear when He comes. The verse says that He shall be called: “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” The first two names may not sound particularly Divine, but the last three are undoubtedly names that belong only to God. When all five names are considered together, it means that the One born in Bethlehem is without doubt – God. Remember that it was God that inspired the words of Scripture, and God would not allow anyone else to bear these names – unless He were God!

If God came to earth any other way, many people would be afraid to approach Him. But God, willing to humble Himself that He might draw as many as possible to Himself, was willing to take on flesh as a little Baby.

Afterwards, He fulfilled His purpose of dying on the Cross for your sins and mine. He paid your debt of sin and mine. He did not have to do it. That is love beyond comprehension! By His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ opened a door that was not open before.

re not yet saved, today is a good day for it. Why not make today the day that you receive Christ as your Savior and get your sins forgiven and receive everlasting life? Do not push Him away any longer. He is more than willing to save you.

Although commonly seen in most manger scenes, according to the Bible, the wise men were never at the manger where the baby Jesus lay. Instead, they came about two years later when Jesus was called “a young child” and was living in “a house.”

Another popular misconception is that there were three wise men – usually based on the three gifts the Bible mentions – “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Mt. 2:11). It is quite possible that many – or each of the wise men – offered gold, because it was always welcome. Besides, what better gift could you give a king?

It seems that these wise men – and they are rightly so-called – may have known more about Christ than they are thought to know. It is doubtful that they were Jews, and they had likely come from a considerable distance. No town or country is mentioned – but somehow they knew of the coming of the Savior.

It is possible they learned of Christ from the many Jews that stayed behind in Babylon when they were freed to go back to Israel. Some of those that stayed behind were no doubt instructors of the Bible to those that would listen; but after Babylon was destroyed – they were scattered far and wide.

The three gifts that were offered to Jesus were “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Whether or not the wise men knew of their application to Jesus is uncertain, but they are significant and worthy of note. Bible scholars believe that the gold possibly represented Christ’s Kingship; He is the King of kings. Frankincense is known for its very pleasant fragrance and speaks of Christ’s fragrance of life and His current ministry of intercession.

Myrrh is mentioned three times in the Gospels and each time it is a reference to death. When on the Cross, Christ was offered vinegar (also called “wine” in some places) with myrrh. Myrrh is a bitter tasting spice, and is called “gall” in Mt. 27:34. The other reference to myrrh in the New Testament is when Christ was to be buried: Nicodemus brought “myrrh and aloes” to wrap in the cloths to prepare Christ’s body for burial.

All three of these gifts sum up several characteristics of the Lord Jesus. Although He certainly was a King (Pilate put it on a sign above Christ’s Head), and His life was constantly very fragrant to men and God because He was always doing good, yet Christ’s life cannot be separated from the myrrh – the bitterness of death. Thank God, though, that He rose again!

Christ left the glories of Heaven and He came to die for you and me. His death has benefited millions in the 2,000 years since His death. Many today know Him personally as their Lord and Savior. Will you receive the benefit of His death and resurrection by calling on Him today to save you? He is waiting for your call: “Behold, I stand at the door” (of your heart) “and knock.” Will you answer the door today? He is the greatest Gift anyone could ever have this Christmas season!