Children of God and Children of the Devil Celebrating Christmas

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)

There is a popular Christmas song that we do not sing in our churches because we believe its message is unbiblical:

Santa Claus is coming to town
He’s making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who’s naughty and nice
Santa Claus is coming to town
He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!

This song describes Santa Claus as a giver of gifts. However, Santa only brings gifts to people (to children in particular) who are nice and good. He does not present gifts to naughty and bad children. Thankfully, our God is not like the fabricated Santa Claus, because according to our text, God offers His Son—the greatest gift of all—to sinners such as you and I:

 For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,

Who is the “us” here? Well, looking at the immediate context, this pronoun “us” refers to the people of Israel who at this time were living in utter darkness of sin. They were very naughty and bad. Yet, the Prophet Isaiah says, “For unto us [sinners] a child is born, unto us [sinners] a son is given.” This is good news!

Observe the following:

1. God’s gift is a person: “a child,” not a thing or an animal. This gift is so precious and unique, and worthy of all acceptation.

2. God’s gift is particular: “a son.” This is God’s only Son—the Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross to save sinners from the power and penalty of sin.

3. God’s gift is presented: “given to us.” God is graciously giving His only Son to us sinners for our salvation. And John the Beloved tells us that all who receive His Son and believe in His name will be given the right to become God’s children (John 1:12).

Have you received God’s Son? If not, you remain a child of the devil. Remember what Jesus says of those who do not receive Him as Lord and Savior, “You are of your father the devil” (John 8:44). Sadly, many people around the globe celebrate Christmas without Christ. Ironically, they celebrate Christmas as children of the devil. Are you one of them?