“For to us a child is given, to us a son is born” (Isaiah 9:6).
Each of my nieces’ and nephews’ births came accompanied with overwhelming anticipation. From the moment my sister announced she was pregnant, joy filled my heart. Joy also filled my wallet and online shopping cart as I dashed to purchase the latest in said baby’s every need. That’s what aunts do of course. As I cradled each one in my arms, the expectation of who they would be, what their story would sing, and how they would make their mark in the world left me with such hope…hope for our family and hope for the kingdom of God.
“For to us a child is given, to us a son is born” (Isaiah 9:6).
In the midst of condemning sin and calling out complacency, the prophet Isaiah foretells the compassion and comfort that will accompany the child given to us by God. Given to us. In fact, Isaiah paints for us a beautiful description of the character and heartbeat of Jesus and all that God will accomplish through Him.
In one verse, Isaiah prophesies a child is on the way, and he knows that like most birth announcements, this one will stir celebration, preparation, and most importantly, hope, in the hearts of the hearers. But he doesn’t stop there. Isaiah also prophecies this child will be a son. Just think for a moment of Israel’s past and future in regard to sons. Throughout Israel’s lineage, you see the messianic promise and foreshadowing of God’s perfect, redemptive plan to send a Savior. And, we see the enemy’s desire to thwart God’s plan. From firstborn sons sacrificed and blood spread on doorposts and kingly decrees to slaughter all males, the story unfolds. Redemptive foreshadowing and darkness grasping for destruction.
And yet, a son is born. A child is given to us. A continuing legacy mingles with a new covenant as the metanarrative story of God’s hope-filled plan unfolds for all His sons and daughters.
“And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
As the verse continues, Isaiah drapes before us a beautiful tapestry of the one and only one, living and true God. We’re told of the personhood of the Son–with distinct personal attributes but without division of nature, essence, or being from the Father and Holy Spirit.
Indeed, this child given to us, this Son who was born, was the Incarnate Christ, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
- As our Wonderful Counselor, Jesus’ wisdom provides all-sufficient guidance and counsel.
- As our Mighty God, Jesus’ divine power and authority are declared. He is fully man and fully divine.
- As our Everlasting Father, Jesus is God, one with the Father who is from everlasting to everlasting.
- As our Prince of Peace, He is Creator, Redeemer, and Preserver of Peace for mankind.
Truly, this child, this Son, is the all-sufficient giver of all good and glorious past, present, and future hope.
In his song, Come Jesus Come, singer and songwriter Stephen McWhirter writes of the birth pains in believers’ hearts as we await Jesus’ second return as King.
Come Jesus Come
We’ve been waiting so long
For the day You return to heal every hurt
And right every wrong
We need You right now
Come and turn this around
Deep down I know this world isn’t home
Come Jesus come
Come Jesus come
And then this phrase . . .
I’m holding on to a hope that won’t fade.
This Christmas season, in a world where everything eventually fades, may we hold onto our hope for an eternity spent with God–a radical, life-transforming hope that will never, ever fade.
Hallelujah.
Pray & Ponder
Father God, when the pain and sorrow of this world mingle, fix my gaze on You. To You, oh Lord, do I place my hope. Through your Son, we have a hope that won’t fade. As we wait with expectation and longing for Christ’s second coming, help me to abide and place my trust in You. Steady my feet, set me on the path of righteousness, and tuck me in from all sides as You renew me day by day to be a reflection of You in a dark and dying world desperate for a hope that won’t fade. Amen.
