The Christmas season is here. Voices harmonize in song to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ centuries ago. Audiences flock to concert halls and churches to hear Messiah, Handel’s sublime oratorio based on this biblical prophecy: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Contrary to what the Hebrew people might have thought would be a change merely in Israel’s government, the promise of a future Savior, or Messiah, revealed redemption and freedom already established by divine authority. This promised Savior would bless all people with God’s unconditional love, and would bring peace and salvation to all nations. Of Isaiah’s prophecy, Mary Baker Eddy wrote: “At first, the babe Jesus seemed small to mortals; but from the mount of revelation, the prophet beheld it from the beginning as the Redeemer, who would present a wonderful manifestation of Truth and Love” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 164).
During his three-year healing ministry, Jesus dealt with young and old, rich and poor. For many, his teachings were radical. Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish council, asked what Jesus meant when he said people must be born again: “How can a man be born when he is old?” Jesus replied, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.… Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (see John 3:1–7).
