For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
What do you think Isaiah thought when he gave us this message? Did he know it was a Messianic prophecy? Did he have any inkling that this child would be so famous? Of course, any child being called Mighty God had to be pretty special!
At Christmas we remember the precious child, God’s own son, born just for us. God loves us that much! Make sure you stop a couple of times today to marvel at how God’s majesty was laying in a manger bed. How humbling!
Be amazed at the miracle we celebrate of God coming to us as a baby. Nothing is impossible when God wants it. Just like the angel told Mary when given the news she was going to give birth to God’s son. The angel had said, “ For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 ESV) The prophet Jeremiah also acknowledged God’s limitless power in Jeremiah 32:17, “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!”
This holy baby would step into some mighty powerful roles one day. I love how this verse so perfectly introduces us to Jesus’ character. He is definitely God, 100%. What better counselor to have than Jesus. Imagine yourself telling him anything, everything. His wisdom is revealed in God’s word, as well as answered prayer. Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to be inside us as our guide.
Jesus as our Prince of Peace is certainly one of my favorite ways to spend time with him. When his perfect peace descends on my chaos, there aren’t words to describe it. I really hope you’ve have a similar experience. Do you have something that you’re dealing with this Christmas that tapping into Jesus’ indescribable peace might help resolve?
What comes to mind for you when you think of Jesus as our Mighty God? Jesus lived to do some mighty things. Remaining sinless despite being human is certainly a mighty feat. What about the mighty miraculous acts Jesus shared with the people of his day? In Jesus’ name, his followers after him have continued doing these mighty miracles. Can you think of any miracles in your life that you can give thanks to this Christ child for?
In my head, I know Jesus is God, but I separate his identity a bit from Everlasting Father. I think it’s because even Jesus acknowledged he was praying to “his Father” on many occasions. How it works, we don’t quite understand but acknowledging Jesus as Everlasting Father is easy when you know that Jesus was with God at creation. Jesus is God and that makes him Everlasting Father, a deeper facet to his identity.
This little baby is God. Reflect on the names for God foretold by Isaiah. “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Let’s pray.
Father God, I know that when I pray I speak to you as Father and as Jesus and Spirit. Sometimes I interchange the names I use to describe your majesty. Thank you that you are ruling in my heart. Continue to help me draw closer to you. May my Christmas joy be full this year. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
