For unto us a child is born, 

To us a son is given…

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

(Isaiah 9:6)

In our current sermon series, Pastor Alex has pointedly reminded us that if we’re focusing on the what of Christmas instead of the Who, then we’re not only missing the point, we’re also setting ourselves up for a January filled with disappointment. Those whats quickly lose their allure. But Old Testament prophet Isaiah foretold a time when “there will be no more gloom for those in distress” because, with the birth of the Messiah, a “great light will dawn on those walking in darkness” (9:1-2). This Messiah will “reign on David’s throne…with justice and righteousness…forever” (9:6,7). 

While Isaiah gave his audience no timetable, for us, Jesus’s nativity is well in our past and His future blissful reign still but a dream. So what about now? What about this year’s celebration of Jesus’s birth? Can focusing on the Who dispel the darkness for those burdened with concerns, illness, family drama, and plain ol’ seasonal sadness? We likely know that focusing on the what - parties, gifts, decorating - only lightens the gloom for a little while. Tree undone, wrapping paper recycled, candles burnt down - now what, when the blahs start to resurface?

Isaiah pens several promises attending Jesus’s advent: nations enlarged, great joy, oppressors driven out, a never-ending peaceful reign (9:1,3, 4-5, 7). We know these haven’t all been fulfilled yet. That doesn’t mean we don’t believe. But what do we gain now with our Christmas celebrations?  

I’ll tell you what, and it’s something we don’t have to wait for Jesus’s millennial kingdom to experience. Isaiah’s fourfold description of Jesus (v.6b) offers promises we can experience right now, this very Christmas. 

• Wonderful Counselor - “Wonderful” combines “full” and “wonder,” meaning the counsel Jesus offers is supernatural. His wisdom can be ours, given generously, just for the asking (James 1:5).

• Mighty God - according to Tim Keller, the Hebrew word for mighty means “hero” or “champion,” someone who faces overwhelming odds, is willing to give his life, and saves the people. Could there be a better description of Jesus? He is your champion. Enlist Him to fight your seasonal sadness.

• Everlasting Father - while not everyone has experienced a loving earthly father, Jesus, the Son, perfectly expresses the Father whose love and care are constant, never failing. Sit still before Him; picture climbing into His lap if you like.

• Prince of Peace - shalom (peace) implies rest from hostilities, wholeness, tranquility. As its prince, Jesus has the power to distribute peace: “My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). He might bring peace by ending personal conflicts we’re experiencing. But if He doesn’t choose that route, He can bring peace to our hearts even as we go through difficult times.

A baby born in a smelly, humble barn to poor parents - that’s not the Christmas gift we would have chosen. But He’s everything we ever needed. And Isaiah wants to make sure we unwrap every bit of that gift… now.

Jesus, thank you for being my Champion, my Counselor, my full and perfect expression of the Father’s love, and the Author of my peace.