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)

It is how we all began; we were born. Isaiah would say the same in the promise of the Messiah, “For unto us a child is born.” John would record the coming of Jesus by saying, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) The angel in the announcement to the shepherds proclaimed, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)

Isaiah’s prophecy tells us that this baby is also destined to be a king, as the government will rest on His shoulders. In the Book of Revelation, John would record that this king is “Lord of lords and King of kings.” (Revelation 17:14 & 19:16) The Angel Gabriel announced to Mary the royalty of her Son, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:32-33)

The promise of this child also states much more of who He is and what He will do. He is called “Wonderful Counselor.” Whether He is talking with a ruler or an outcast of society, He will give wise council. Talking with Nicodemus, He would tell Him that He must be born again, not just of the flesh but born of the Spirit. Talking with a woman who draws water when no one else is around, He would tell her that she needs living water, which will meet her eternal need. From a Roman centurion with a sick daughter to a grieving sister at the tomb site, Jesus would bring the care and compassion which was needed. He will do the same for you and me.

He is also God in the flesh, He is “Mighty God.” “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17) “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” (Colossians 2:9-10) When Isaiah asks, “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?” (Isaiah 40:12) The answer is “Mighty God.”

This child that is born is also the “Everlasting Father.” Jesus, as He prepares to go to the cross, tells the Disciples, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9) Jesus had already been teaching them of the union of Father and Son in the redemption of man. Jesus had said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. . .. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:14-15, 28-30) In the Book of Revelation, the throne is called, “the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Revelation 22:1,3)

Isaiah also calls this child, “the Prince of Peace.” The Angels announced, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) When Jesus entered Jerusalem the people raised their voices in praise, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38) Peter, as He spoke to Gentiles after his vison from God said, “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” (Acts 10:36) The message of Jesus is one which brings peace. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)

The child who was born came to bring us life anew through His actions while here on earth. This child opened a way for us to return to our Creator as He redeemed us. He now provides for us all we need to live with Him now and to live with Him for all eternity in His Kingdom.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block