Isaiah 53:4

Scripture: 

Isaiah 53:4  “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” (ESV)

Observation:

This week as we celebrate Christmas, our devotions will take us on a journey to help us see the beauty of the Christmas season. Christmas is a beautiful, heartwarming, and inspiring story of hope. Some won’t see the beauty of Christmas because of economic desperation, insecurities about the future, and violence madness. All some people see are anxiety, dreadful outlook, and a bank account suffering.  

The word “surely” in our text is an important connecting word. It connects Christ with our humanity. It means undoubtedly, most assuredly, unquestionably, Christ understands our pains (Hebrews 4:15). Paul’s words to the Christians in Philippi describe what the birth of Christ really means (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus laid aside being a King to become a kid, being rich to becoming poor, exchanging an immortal body for a mortal human one. I pray you will see, feel, and experience the joys of Christmas. May you see the rise of hope and the dissipation of doubts and fears as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. 

Application:

Personal: Take some time to reflect on the joys of Christmas. What comes to your mind?

Family: Ask each family member to share their most joyous Christmas. Spend time praying for each of them to have a joyful Christmas. 

JIMMY WHITE is the director of discipleship for Men’s Ministries with the U.S. Assemblies of God. Jimmy served as a pastor in the local church for over 30 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the North Texas District. Jimmy lives in Springfield, MO, with his wife, Renata. They have three children and five grandchildren. Connect with Jimmy on Facebook.