“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6, NIV
The prophet Isaiah wrote these words 700 years before the birth of Christ. Yet, inspired by the Holy Spirit, he attributed to Jesus the very qualities that you and I cling to today.
Wonderful Counselor
Jesus is our source of justice, wisdom, guidance, and direction.
“‘Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.'”
Matthew 12:18
Mighty God
Jesus reigns in power and might as our Refuge, Shield, and Strong Tower.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Ephesians 6:20
Everlasting Father
Jesus brings eternal life and adopts us into the family of God.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”
1 John 3:1
Prince of Peace
Jesus came to bring us peace with God.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:2
Do you remember what it was like before you came to know Him?
To be abused and seek your own justice?
To be controlled by unforgiveness because you couldn’t get vengeance?
To be lost and in need of wisdom, unsure of the right path to take?
To be afraid or in need of help and not know where to turn?
To feel vulnerable or weak in the face of circumstances beyond your control?
To lie awake with anxiety because you fear trouble, sickness, or death?
To feel insecure and small because of rejection from others?
To feel helpless and harassed, like a sheep without a Shepherd?
I remember. I remember lying awake at night, troubled deep in my soul, anxious, worried, fearful, and lost.
That’s how so many all around us feel right now. We are surrounded by people who are lost, hurting, in need of help, and they don’t know where to turn. They are living in darkness and can’t see a way out.
The answer is the Babe born in Bethlehem. He came to be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. God wrapped Himself in flesh and came into our world so that we could know Him personally.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”
Isaiah 60:1-3
Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come.
So many live in darkness. But the Light has already come. They don’t have to live in sin, fear, oppression, or darkness. They, too, can know the the peace that only comes from the Prince of Peace. They, too, can find security in the Mighty God. Those lost in darkness can find rest in the arms of the Everlasting Father. And they can find justice and forgiveness at the feet of the Wonderful Counselor.
You see, that promise of God through Isaiah was not only for Israel. The promise was for all who would believe and call on His name.
“…for ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”
Romans 10:13
Why would we keep that to ourselves?
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Peter 2:9
This Christmas, declare His praises and let the story of Jesus bring light to someone in a dark place. Let’s share His story–not just the warm, fuzzy story of mangers and sheep–but the Light that brings hope, healing, forgiveness, and peace to the world.
Arise and shine–for our Light has come.