For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
It’s amazing to think that the Prophet Isaiah was able to foretell the Lord’s birth approximately 700 years ahead of time. Many of us know of this verse, especially over the Christmas season. Many are also aware of this verse as one of the key songs in the production of Handel’s Messiah. Let’s consider the seven sections of this verse to fully appreciate its meaning.
For unto us a Child is Born, a Son is Given
This was to be no ordinary child. Few understood the significance of this new born baby born to Mary and Joseph.
This child represented the greatest gift that would ever be given to mankind. He was freely given by God the Father due to His great love for mankind (John 3:16). Still, only a handful understood the significance of this gift at the time. What about today? Is the gift of Jesus truly understood and appreciated by modern man?
Government to be upon His Shoulder
Is it possible that this child born in obscurity would come to later reign as the King of Kings? He actually came to earth as a king but how many understood? When the Lord returns to the earth at His 2nd Coming, He will come as a conquering king (Revelation 19:11-16).
Do you know that we are given the opportunity to reign with Him? The key to reigning is in our ability to love and serve one another. This is the example Jesus provided to us.
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. (John 13:3-5)
His Name Shall be Called Wonderful
There are many reminders of the wonders of Christmas as one navigates through this Holiday season. It can be heard in songs, seen in the decorations, felt in the purchasing of gifts in stores and reflected in memories of Christmas’ past. To many it is the most wonderful time of the year.
The true wonder of Christmas is that sinful man can be reconciled to a Holy God through the birthing of a child. The Son of God becoming the Son of Man who would later die a horrible death on a cross because of His great love for man.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)
Shall be Called Counsellor
People today are seeking for guidance and direction. In high school, I remember Mr Munich, a man who was assigned to me as my guidance Counsellor. I only met him once and have no recollection to what he shared with me. Thankfully the Lord is able to help lead and guide His people in various ways.
One of the seven spirit anointings is the Spirit of Counsel (Isaiah 11:2-3). God was able to show forth His ways to Moses so that he could later lead and guide the children of Israel in their journey (Exodus 34:6). God can be trusted to counsel us so that we in turn can be used to counsel others.
The Mighty God
Think again of this little child born in a manger. “What Child is this?” Is it possible for this child to later rule over all of mankind? Christmas reminds us of Jesus being born as a baby. In this season, may we always be mindful of Jesus as God of the impossible. He is able to heal, provide and restore. What a Mighty God we Serve!
Everlasting Father
Jesus fully demonstrated the attributes of His Father during His ministry on earth.
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (John 14:9)
The institution of Fatherhood is constantly being attacked and maligned. Perhaps the reason for this is that our God is a Loving Heavenly Father. He loves being a Father and is very good at being a Father. The more fatherhood is undermined, the more distorted the view we will have of God as a Loving Father. This topic will be elaborated on further in an upcoming devotional.
The Prince of Peace
Today’s world is in chaos. Wars, violence and calamities continue to fill the news cycles. That child born in the manger over 2000 years ago brought peace and calm to that Silent Night. Jesus is also the Prince of Peace for our day.
I recently came across a Christmas advertisement that demonstrates this message far better than I am able to put into words. Please take time to view the link to the ad here: https://youtu.be/NWF2JBb1bvM
Take time to meditate and reflect on the many attributes of Jesus that are reflected in Isaiah 9:6. Jesus, the greatest gift ever given to man, is truly the Reason for the Season.
On behalf of the entire Light Devotional writers and editors, we would like to wish a Blessed Christmas to all.
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Tuesday: Luke 2:20
Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Wednesday: Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Thursday: Isaiah 28:29
This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance.
Friday: Luke 12:32
Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Saturday: Jeremiah 32:27
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?
Sunday: Romans 16:20
And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
