For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Isaiah 9:6 is one of the most well-known and often-cited prophecies, particularly at Christmas time. Long before the shepherds received the good news of great joy, Isaiah predicted that a child would be born to us.
This sounds hopeful and majestic but, at the same time, perplexing. A child? And yet this child was predicted to be remarkable, called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” and so many other powerful names. Let us ponder together this amazing child.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.” God promised to come to us as a child. The “us” refers to the people of Isaiah’s time but to the people of our time as well. This child will be a ruler who will bring deliverance, light, and joy to the people of God.
He will be a “Wonderful Counselor,” a counselor who is wise. He has wonderful wisdom that is beyond our imagination. The child will be a counselor who knows how to apply wisdom in every situation on our behalf. His wisdom is impressive. He knows what is best for us.
He will be called “Mighty God.” God’s love has the power to speak creation into being, to raise the dead to life, to part the seas, to make the blind see, and to heal diseases. The promised child’s throne of peace and dominion will be established forever. His mighty power is derived from the fact that he is God himself.
Then there’s “Everlasting Father.” God will be with us forever. We do not trust in a God who is momentary. We are putting our trust in a God who is eternally paternal and that gives us hope.
As “Prince of Peace” Jesus will provide peace to us spiritually and in our human experience. He alone gives perfect peace, something things and people cannot do.
This amazing child has already been given to us. While we wait for our blessed Saviour’s return, we must intentionally share the reason for our hope with those who do not know him. As we approach the Christmas season, let us focus on the blessings of the birth of the Christ-child. May our hearts bow in humility and gratitude to the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
Our great God, our world desperately needs wise counsel and enduring strength, eternal security and lasting peace. Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving and joy knowing that it’s all available in your Son.
Shantee Singh
* Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, ©The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1995. Used by permission.
** The above was taken from Glory to God in the Highest: A Christmas Devotional (Oakville: Proclamation, 2024).
By job title, Alice is the office administrator at Oakridge. But her behind-the-scenes efforts go far beyond that! She is actively involved in the leadership team for the Tuesday evening women's bible study, she is on the mission committee, and she has recently both stepped into the leadership of church bridal and baby shower celebrations, and started teaching in our Ozone kids program. Oh, and if you see any special seasonal or holiday decorations around the church, it's a safe bet that Alice was involved!