Introduction: Many years before the birth of Jesus, the prophets of the Old Testament were predicting His appearing, and giving interesting details about His life. We have entered into the Christmas season now, and Jesus is the "reason for the season." So these next few Sundays we will focus on Jesus. Today we are examining some of the Old Testament prophecies:

I. Micah 5:2, written 700 years before the birth of Jesus, predicted that He would be born in Bethlehem.

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

Matthew 2:1-8 tells us part of the story of the three wise men, and King Herod, who were searching for the baby Jesus for different reasons.

II. Isaiah 7:14, also written 700 years before Jesus' birth, tells us that He would be born of a virgin.

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

The name Immanuel, in Hebrew, means: "God with us." And Jesus was indeed God, in the flesh, dwelling with His people.

Matthew 1:18-25 emphasizes that Jesus was born of a virgin. This is essential to the Gospel. If Jesus had not been born of a virgin, then He would have been an ordinary man, just like you and me. And He would have needed a Savior, too.

III. Isaiah 53:5-6 tell us how Jesus because our Savior.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Theologians call this the "vicarious atonement." "Atonement" means the sacrifice that paid for our sins. "Vicarious" means "trading places." Our sins deserve punishment from God. Jesus took our sins upon Himself, and took our punishment in His death on the cross. The reverse is also true: God takes the righteousness of Jesus, and gives that to us, when we receive Jesus as our Savior.

IV. Isaiah 9:6-7 describe the deity, the majesty and the eternal Lordship of Christ over this earth.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."

Conclusion: Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. Jesus took our sins upon Himself, and became our Savior. Jesus is the Mighty God. Jesus is One with the Father. Jesus shall reign over this world for eternity. All of these things were prophesied 700 years before Jesus was born, and they all came true, or shall come true in the future. Have you received Him as your Savior, and acknowledged Him as your Lord? Why not do so today? Amen.