[UntoHim]

What kind of name is this
bestowed upon just a child
Could this be the Mighty God
through whom sinners reconciled

What kind of name is this
which Joseph and Mary gave
No other name under heaven
whereby all men must be saved

What kind of name is this
man of sorrows grief and pain
Despised forsaken afflicted
so willing to bare our shame

"Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” God had been silent and seemingly inactive for over 400 years. Then, the long silence is broken with the monumental, thunderous declaration: "She will bear a son!" God's people were looking for their Messiah to appear as a victorious warrior on the battlefield, and restore the nation of Israel to her former glory, not as a babe born to an unwed teenage virgin in the manger of a lowly country inn.

"Long lay the world in sin and error pining" The great need, the desperate need for the Jewish people, and in fact the entire world, was not another king, but a savior to save them from their sins. Religion, even a religion seemingly established and based upon the Holy Scriptures, could not save the people from their sins. Certainly the philosophies of man could save no one. Time had shown that the only way man was going to be reconciled to God is by the actions of God himself.

Another shocker to the powers that be, both religious and secular - "A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief". The prophets of old had preached, begged and lamented before and for the people of God, but only temporary revival would take place. This time true and full redemption had arrived. But first there was to be much sorrow and grief, and finally " he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed".

to be continued....

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