Unto Us a Child Is Born

Isaiah announced a prophecy about the Messiah: God has come to the world in the form of a child (fulfilled in Luke 2:1-20). Jesus Christ is born to be the Savior of the world. He is Hope Incarnate. I love how the prophets declared prophecies with absolute confidence (notice the verb form used by them) as if they had already taken place (even though they're future events), demonstrating the certainty of their fulfillment. Isaiah said, "For unto us a child is born" about 700 years before Christ's incarnation. "Unto us a Son is given"--Jesus is God's greatest Gift given to us...for us. He came to live a perfect life and die the death we deserve as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins so that we could live with Him forever. He came to set us free from bondage of sin and death. This verse speaks of Christ's humanity (born as a child) and deity. He is God Himself ("Mighty God"). The four titles for our Messiah speak volumes about Who He is.
"Wonderful Counselor"--Jesus is the Wisdom of God who leads us and counsels us. He is wonderful in all aspects.
"Mighty God" also indicates Christ's omnipotence. He is a powerful Warrior. Nothing is too difficult for our God!
"Everlasting Father"--Jesus is our compassionate Provider and Protector. This name describes His unceasingly tender, loving relationship with us. He is Father of Eternity; He is outside of time. "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." (Psalm 90:2)
"Prince of Peace"--Jesus reigns and rules. His rule will bring wholeness/peace (shalom) that has no end. This part will be fulfilled by His second coming. Yet even now He is our Peace. Through Christ (His atoning death on the cross), we have peace with God. In Christ, we have peace within as we trust and obey Him."'Your life is hid with Christ in God,' and the imperturbable peace of Jesus Christ is imparted to you." (Oswald Chambers)

Prayer: Lord, thank You for saving me and being my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace! Please help me to seek You & Your will in everything and to trust You with every area of my life. Thank You for being my constant Hope and Anchor! Please empower me to be an effective ambassador representing You accurately to the world. May this Christmas season be a joyous season of reflection, celebration, and gratitude for Who You are and for all You have done for us!