Five needs of Humanity - Christmas devotion

One autorickshaw (three wheeler) had a graffiti painted on the back of his vehicle: "God should be born as auto rickshaw driver; and should toil and live like me." This slogan sums up the aspiration of humanity. Though all religions strive to understand God, human beings desire that God should understand them. In that case, God has to become human being. Then, God can relate with human being at the same level. Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to identify with humanity, their suffering and weakness. (Hebrews 4:15)

Prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Lord Jesus around 700 BC. He also gave five names that are His attributes. These five names meet the five most important needs of human beings. "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." (Isaiah 9:6)

Wonderful: Human need of hope

The first name is Wonderful which means astonishing or extraordinary. The child is extraordinary as born to Virgin Mary and is Son of God. His birth was announced by angels to ordinary shepherds who were at the bottom of the social hierarchy and also Wise Men of the East got a sign of a Star. No wonder, He embraces whole humanity in His saving grace.

Wonderful also means that there is hope. There is sense of hopelessness in this world. Postmodern lifestyle is without any anchor of hope and rudderless. A person's life could be transformed by Lord Jesus who is wonderful and performs miracles. There is no hopeless situation, including physical illness, or mental strain, or economic burden or spiritual darkness or social evil; that is beyond his capacity to transform.

Counselor: Mental need of wisdom and guidance

The world today is a confusing and overwhelming place. In order to survive in this world, people need wisdom and guidance. Every day, all of us have to take decisions. Some decisions are mundane or routine; however, many are life changing and could impact people for generations. Hence, to take wise decisions, there is a need for counsel.

Lord Jesus Christ is our reliable, relevant and perfect counselor. Human wisdom and counsel are finite, so fallible. Lord Jesus counsel is from infinite wisdom and understanding so they are infallible. He could guide us in the paths of righteousness. (Psalm 23:3)

Almighty God: Moral need of strength

Counselor provides wisdom to plan, however almighty means to provide strength to implement those plans. Lord Jesus has authority over heaven and earth. (Mathew 28:18) He bestows his power to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Paul declares that he could do all things through the strength provided by Lord Jesus Christ. (Phil 4:13)

Eternal Father: Physical need of Presence, Provision and Protection

Lord Jesus Christ is before and beyond time hence called as Eternal or Everlasting Father. Children play happily in a room when parents are present. They are frightened when parents are absent in the room. Lord Jesus Christ's Presence provides confidence and strength. As a father provides of their children, Lord provides all our physical needs – including our daily bread. Certainly, a father protects children from all harm. Lord Jesus Christ protects His children from attacks of enemy – Satan.

Prince of Peace: Spiritual need of fellowship with God

Human beings have a spiritual need of being relationship with God. This is not possible unless human beings are reconciled with God through Lord Jesus Christ. The past sins of a person is forgiven by the vicarious death of Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, thus Peace with God becomes reality. Also, there is peace for the present in heart and mind that the world cannot give or take it away. (John 14:27) There would be peace that would reign in the Kingdom of God forever, where disciples of Lord Jesus Christ are destined to be citizens.

Challenge

The Birth of Lord Jesus Christ and the meaning of Christmas is relevant only when a person experiences the general need of hope is realized in Him; depend on his wisdom and guidance; receive moral strength to face the world and sin; enjoy His Presence, Provision and Protection; and experience Peace with God, oneself and have assurance to enter everlasting Peace in His Kingdom.