Derek Smith, Lead Pastor LHBC
Isaiah 9:1-7
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.6 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. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
At Christmas time one of my favorite aspects of the biblical prophecies and accounts about it is all the names of Christ. Oh come, oh come Immanuel and ransom captive Israel. Immanuel means God is with us, thank you Jesus! I’ve got good news for today there has been born for us in Bethlehem a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Anybody else ready to shout right now?!
Isaiah 9 is another one of those prophecies that lists some incredible names of Jesus that we celebrate especially at Christmas time. Isaiah says His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Wonderful Counselor literally means He has extraordinary counsel. He is the omniscient, all knowing, one who has counsel beyond all earthly wisdom. He is Mighty God. A few years ago Forbes magazine declared Vladimir Putin, the Russian ruler, as the most powerful man in the world. Well, right here Isaiah said the most powerful man ever was born over 2000 years ago in a manger. His power is unmatched and unrivaled. He is Everlasting Father. Now, how can the Son also be the Father? Well, that’s what makes Him awesome; He is beyond comprehension. Jesus is ontologically the same as the Father and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, three in one. Hear Oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one. We worship one God who eternally exists in three equal Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with Jesus being of the same identity as the Father. Lastly, here Isaiah called Jesus the Prince of Peace. When asked what we need in the world today many influential people will answer, “we need peace.” Well, there is no peace apart from the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ! Only He can give peace to your heart this Christmas season, and every season for that matter. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” This Christmas, find your safety in the name of Jesus!
A few years ago the infamous leader of Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez, created a new cabinet position in His socialist government called “the minister of supreme happiness.” His job is to spread good will relations around the country. Hey, guess what? Jesus is the minister of supreme holiness! This Christmas no matter what the world does just call on the name of Jesus. Worship Him as your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and your Prince of Peace!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, You are my Wonderful Counselor, my Mighty God, my Everlasting Father, and my Prince of Peace. I worship You this Christmas season as the one who fills me with Your wisdom, power, and peace. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Luke 1:38
38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.