“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
Have you started your Christmas preparations? We have yet to decorate, but I’m far along in the Christmas shopping department. I don’t like shopping, so I try to order lots of things online. And if I have to go to a store, I go in November to beat the rush of people.
A Child is Born
In the scripture above, we see another kind of preparation occurring. Isaiah is preparing the people of Israel for the coming Savior. And he was early by readying the people almost 700 years before the event happened. The prophecy encouraged the people during a difficult time in their history as they struggled against the Assyrians and Syrians.
And Isaiah’s description also showed us the triune nature of God. First, we see God as the Mighty God and Everlasting Father. We notice Jesus in the Prince of Peace. Finally, we witness the Holy Spirit as the Wonderful Counselor.
But more than that, we see the characteristics of God within these descriptions, too. So, as the Christmas season speeds us, let’s take some time to review each of these depictions of God.
The Wonderful Counselor
This descriptive term echoes a peacefulness lacking in our Christmas season today. My vision of a wonderful counselor is a loving God sitting next to me as He listens with a caring heart. His presence offers comfort. This babe in the manager will be our eternal hope as His wisdom guides our steps on the path of life.
“This also comes from the LORD of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.”
Isaiah 28:29 ESV.
Mighty God and Everlasting Father
When Isaiah wrote these words, unrest and wars filled his world, much like today’s world. The Jewish people of that day looked for a mighty warrior to come and save them from those who sought to destroy them.
Instead, the King of Kings arrived as a tiny baby. His true nature lay hidden under the swaddling clothes in the lowly manger. This Mighty God, Creator of the universe, and every living thing left His throne in heaven to come to earth. He came to teach us love and peace.
Much of the world missed His message because they looked for a warrior God. Jesus offered life eternal with Him. A gift to those who accepted His message. He calls us to love and live in peace with our neighbors. It is still a radical message today.
“But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”
Luke 22:69 NIV.
Prince of Peace
Ah, peace! My soul longs for God’s peace in my life and world this Christmas season. I long to spend time in a church lit only by candles, sing the old, traditional carols, and feel God’s presence settle the busyness of my heart.
- I want to make memories that will last longer than any gift I could buy for my family.
- Peace is the thing the entire world desires but does not know how to find.
- Jesus gives lasting peace to His people.
- He provides peace for today, peace for Christmas, and peace for all eternity.
“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 NLT.
Make time for the Peace of Christ to invade your Christmas season this year.
Prayer
Lord, I thank You for coming to earth so You could redeem me. When I think of the extent to which you were willing to go in order to save me, it makes me want to shout, to celebrate, and to cry with thankfulness. You love me so much, and I am so grateful for that love. Without You, I would still be lost and in sin. But because of everything You have done for me, today I am free; my life is blessed; Jesus is my Lord; Heaven is my home; and Satan has no right to control me. I will be eternally thankful to you for everything you did to save me! I pray this in Jesus’ name!
~ Rick Renner
Peace is a gift that can’t be counterfeited. Only Jesus can give true peace. His appearance bridged the gap between rebellious man and a loving Father so we could experience the comfort of a calm soul knowing we are loved.
Great way to explain it Barbara. He is our only true peace. I pray many find the babe in the manger this year as the true gift of Christmas. Blessings
Years ago for a Christmas play, I memorized Isaiah 9:1-6. I still practice those verses so I won’t forget them. Thank you for sharing and expanding on the message those verses give us. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.
Thank you Katherine. I love that idea so I think I will try to memorize them for this year. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. God bless
Here’s my favorite part: “Peace is the thing the entire world desires but does not know how to find.”
Jesus gives lasting peace to His people.”
Nice post, Yvonne. Merry Christmas and God bless!
Thanks so much Nancy. I wish for peace for our world for Ch. Merry Christmas 🎄
May the peace of Christ fill the hearts and souls of everyone. Merry Christmas! Thank you for this beautiful message.
Thank you Melissa. Amen. May you experience the peace of Christ this Christmas
Beautiful post! Like you, I do most of my Christmas shopping online. Stores stress me out and invade that Christmas peace, so I’ve discovered when I take time to peacefully browse online, I enjoy it SO much more and am able to give in genuine celebration of our Lord Jesus, whose birth we are celebrating!
I started shopping more online now too. It helps me not lose my peace and allows me to focus on the reason for Christmas. Thanks Jessica. 🎄☦️
I love the names of Christ given in this passage of Isaiah. Thank you for the reminder to meditate on each of them and what they mean to my relationship with God.
Thank you Joshua. The names speak to each of us in many ways. Blessings
When the Lord returns, and the trumpet sounds, the peace of Messiah Jesus will be established. Until then, we await His return, hoping, praying, trusting.
Amen Melinda. And what a glorious day it will be for us. Blessings 🎄
This is one of my favorite posts you have written. I felt His peace while reading.
Thanks Jennifer. I really appreciate it. Blessings
These names of Jesus are so meaningful, Yvonne. Thank you for helping me to take time to ponder and be grateful. Blessings!
Thanks Annie. They do tell us so much about our Lord. Blessings
Yvonne, thanks for unpacking each phrase of this Bible verse. This is powerful, “Peace is the thing the entire world desires but does not know how to find.” I’m so grateful for the Prince of Peace who offers us peace all year long!
Me too, grateful for the peace that Christ provides for us. Thanks Karen and many blessings
A favourite verse of mine. I am do grateful to have the peace of God which transcends all understanding. Particularly now as it’s a time of uncertainty for my husband with regards to his job.
Amen. It is a beautiful verse. Praying for you and your husband
One of my favorite verses in the Bible. I’m so grateful for God’s peace, particularly now as we’re in a time of uncertainty concerning my husband’s job.
Your beautiful post honors God and brings us to peace and worship. Thank you.
Thank you Jeannie. May your Christmas be filled with His peace. Blessings
I could feel God’s peace settle upon me this morning as I’m reading this Ms. Yvonne. Thank you so much for the much-needed blessing ma’am. Merry CHRISTmas to you, Bill, and the entire family. Praying all y’all stay safe during this cold spell. God’s blessings.
Thank you so much for your encouragement throughout the year. Merry Christmas