Let that first line sink in just a bit. Who was this child born for? Isaiah said, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.” Jesus came for us! To those hearing Isaiah’s words then and now, we can be sure the babe in the manger is for us. Isaiah may not have known who would ultimately fulfill this word from God, but we do.
Our Christmas preparations are nearing an end, and soon we’ll embark on the season of Christmas. Who is this child in the manger to you? Is Jesus a promise of hope and redemption? Isaiah exclaims his identity as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus is all of that and so much more.
We can focus a moment on each of these identities. What I notice first is how these descriptions of the promised son reveal God. While Jesus was human, he was still completely God. That’s a miracle we need to really wrap our heads around.
Wonderful Counselor. Isn’t the Holy Spirit sometimes referred to our counselor and guide. Jesus promised us he’d send his Spirit. This little baby is going to grow up to set the best example for guiding us through our lives.
Mighty God. Do we ever stop to think about how “mighty” our God is? Sometimes we try to go through the motions of life on own our power. Never forget we have a mighty God fighting our battles and standing guard over our hearts.
Everlasting Father. Jesus was there at creation and will be there when the kingdom is fully revealed one day. Everlasting. Never ending. Always and forever. Jesus said in John 10:30, “The Father and I are one.” So this reference to “Father” makes sense.
Prince of Peace. While Jesus never promised we’d have a problem free, peaceful life, he did promise to never leave us. In my mind, having that assurance of Jesus’ presence in my life makes Jesus the perfect Prince of Peace. Jesus’ promise in John 14:27, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Which of these resonates most with you and your picture of Jesus? When we see in our minds’ eye the baby laying in the manger, it’s sometimes hard to connect the dots and see him fulfilling these purposes for the world.
Let the miracle of Jesus’ birth take your breath away once again as you reflect on what God did for us in sending Jesus.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I welcome you into our world and my heart. I also pray for the world that they may see you and recognize you as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Thank you for loving me so much that you sent Jesus into this dark world. Forgive me for sometimes taking that gift for granted. Use me to help others meet you in this season. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
