Christmas Devotional Series: For to Us a Child is Born

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 Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace.

Written in a prophecy 700 hundred years before Jesus’ birth and I’m sure, at the time, no one had any idea what it truly meant. 

I’m sure they thought that “the government will be on his shoulders” would point to a baby who would rule on a throne over them here on this earth. They were expecting someone who would save them from the pain and suffering of this world. Isaiah 9:7 goes on to say, “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” This verse here points to the fact that this child would rule forever, not for a short time here on this earth, but that God’s kingdom would rest on His shoulders and that He would rule with justice and righteousness. Luke 1:32-33 confirms what Isaiah wrote when the angel Gabriel said, “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.” 

His kingdom will never end. 

And only a King who could live forever could in fact rule forever. “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father” show that this prophecy was not about a human, but about God Himself coming down and dwelling with His people. His mighty power would heal the sick and raise the dead to life, and He would be our eternal Father. 

So, my friend, when you’re in need of counsel, turn to Him and His wisdom. When you’re in need of strength, turn to His mighty power to get you through it. When you’re in need of peace, He will give you a peace that surpasses all understanding. And when you’re feeling alone or unloved, remember that He is your Everlasting Father.