Scripture: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
Observation: The birth of Jesus was prophesied to the Jewish people by Isaiah about 700 years before the Lord was born. In today’s verse, these descriptions of Jesus depict His role in our lives.
Application: The Scriptures has many different names by which Jesus is known. Many of them were stated by Jesus Himself. He told us He was the Good Shepherd, the Door, the Way, the Truth and the Life, the Light of the World, and more. Today’s verse gives us names of Jesus that He held before He was born. This is Jesus past, present, and future.
As the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus is our Helper in every situation. Through His Word and Spirit, He gives direction, instruction, wisdom, clarity, guidance, and more.
- “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” – John 16:13
As the Mighty God, Jesus fights for us, protects us, saves us! He is our all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present Saviour.
- “For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” – Deuteronomy 20:4
- “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2
As the Everlasting Father, Jesus is our caregiver and source of eternal life. He holds us in His hand and we are eternally secure! We are His children, created by Him, sustained by Him, loved by Him.
- “Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.” – Isaiah 63:16
- “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” – John 10:29-30
As the Prince of Peace, Jesus gives us a calmness in our souls despite the calamity in this world.
- “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
- “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” -John 14:27
One other name given to Jesus at Christmastime is Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 states, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” But it is Matthew 1:23 that tells us the meaning of that name. “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Perhaps Emmanuel is the most precious of all His names, for it tells us that God loved us so much, He chose to come in the flesh and dwell among us. That is why we celebrate Christmas. Emmanuel – God with us!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the gift of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, I have forgiveness of sins and eternal life! I have the Holy Spirit indwelling me 24/7 for all eternity! Your Christmas gift to me just keeps on giving! I am so blessed… so undeserving, but so glad You love me! Thank You! In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen and amen!!
What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard & angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard & angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
(from “What Child is This?” by W. Chatterton Dix)
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“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:11