Isaiah 53:4-6

Isaiah 53:4-6
English Standard Version (ESV)

  The Christmas story has two sides, and it all wraps up into one marvelous mystery, full of grace and truth.  The baby who is born in a manger, a tender scene portrayed in nativities, dependent on his poor parents, is the child that grows into the man who teaches with authority, heals the sick and raises the dead, and is the condemned to die as an innocent man.  The child who brings light and life is put to death, crushed for our iniquities, an atoning sacrifice for our sin who willingly goes to the cross  We have sinned, and he is punished.
  Because of his resurrection, we can look at Christmas morning with hope, for the child will overcome all of this and will come again in glory.
  So when you look at the obstacles before you, focus not on the darkness and challenges that seem to overwhelm.  Remember that because he rose, you also will rise, and the one who has overcome will give you the ability to overcome as well. 
  In the child we have hope, and in the child we have life.