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“6 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal ofthe Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7
We have heard these words read many times around Christmas. But have you ever considered what, “unto us a child is born,” truly means? Why was the child born unto us? Ordinarily in the Bible, a child will be born unto a specific person. As we see in Genesis 17:17, “Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?” Isaac was born “unto” Sarah andAbraham.
But the birth of Jesus would be different. Jesus was not born “unto” Mary and Joseph the way Isaac was born “unto” Sarah and Abraham. Instead, His birth was meant to ransom God’s people. Mark 10:45 tells us, For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” This birth
was to be of great joy for Israel. The child, Jesus, would not just be a blessing to His parents, but to the entire world.
“To us a son is given,” Isaiah continues. This child would not be just anyone; He would be a son. Specifically, He is God’s Son. The Father’s love for us was so great that He was willing to send His only Son as a suffering servant to save us.
“And the government will be upon his shoulders.” The suffering servant would become the leader. The baby of the Christmas story would one day rule over all. After His resurrection, Matthew 28:18 records, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’”
“And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” From His birth to His ministry, Jesus demonstrated His miraculous nature. Throughout His teaching ministry Jesus demonstrated His wisdom. Isaiah made it clear that this coming child and king would be more than just a man. He would be Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
My prayer this Christmas is that you have made Him your Eternal Father, your Savior. He is the greatest gift of all. Merry Christmas!
Pastor Jeff