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It is "to us," the sons and daughters of Adam; we are His poor relations; and to us as His poor relations on earth, sons of Adam's family, whereof He is the top branch, this Child is presented born, for our comfort in our low state.

I. WHAT IS PRESUPPOSED IN THIS PRESENTING OF CHRIST AS A BORN CHILD.

1. His birth was expected and looked for.

2. Christ is now born. He was really born; a little Child, though the Mighty God; an Infant, not one day old, though the Everlasting Father.

3. Some have been employed to present this Child to the friends and relations; and they are still about the work.

(1)  The Holy Spirit.

(2)  Ministers.

4. This Child is actually presented to us on His birth.

II. TO WHOM IS CHRIST PRESENTED?

1. Not to the fallen angels.

2. To mankind sinners, those of the house of His father Adam.

(1)  Embrace Him, with old Simeon, in the arms of faith.

(2)  Kiss the Son, receiving Him as your Lord and King and God.

III. HOW IS CHRIST PRESENTED?

1. In the preaching of the Gospel.

2. In the administration of the sacraments.

3. In the internal work of saving illumination.

IV. WHAT IS THE IMPORT OF HIS BEING PRESENTED TO US?

1. Our special concern in His birth — as the birth of a Saviour to us.

2. Our relation to Him. Sinners of mankind have a common relation to Christ.

(1)  In respect of the nature He assumed. "We are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones" (Ephesians 5:30).

(2)  In respect of His office — the Saviour of the world.

3. An owning of our relation to Him. "He is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Hebrews 2:11).

4. The comfortableness of His birth to us. Children are presented on their birth to their relations, for their comfort; and so is Christ to sinners of mankind.

V. WHEREFORE IS CHRIST PRESENTED TO US ON HIS BIRTH?

1. That we may see the faithfulness of God in the fulfilling of His promise.

2. That we may rejoice in Him.

3. That we may look on Him, see His glory, and be taken with Him (John 1:14).

4. That we may acknowledge Him in the character in which He appears as the Saviour of the world and our Saviour.

(T. Boston.)

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KJV: 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, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

WEB: For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.