December 9

For unto us a son is born... It is interesting that children become symbols in several prophecies made by old testament prophets. Chapters 7 to 9 of Isaiah have a couple of examples of this. Chapter 7 contains the famous sign of the virgin birth, but here, specifically, as a time marker to King Ahaz

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted.

In Chapter 8, again, the maturity of the child is used as a time marker

3 And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, "Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz*; 4 for before the boy knows how to cry My father or My mother, the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria."  

(* means quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil)

Finally, in Chapter 9 Israel is promised relief from oppression in the short term, but clearly extending and expanding on long term promise of a Savior

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Several phrases from Chapter 9 are found in Handel's Messiah, including our focus for today - For Unto Us a Son is Born

As you might expect, if you were doing videos on famous phrases from the Bible, this would be one of them.