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

A promise made, a gift given to a world in need. This verse is read almost every Christmas season, yet this year, it hits a bit deeper and gives us a glimpse into how God desires to relate to His people. This year has been fraught with chaos and uncertainty, yet God’s promise to His people has not changed. 

When this verse was written, Israel was in political turmoil. For a hundred years, they had been a divided nation, with Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Israel had already fallen and been taken captive, and now it seemed that Judah would be next. They were a conquered nation, ruled by the mighty empire of Babylon. Their own leaders had faltered – instead of shepherding the people, they had chased after their own hubris and indulgences. The people were desperate; the times were dark. 

 They searched for hope. 

 Through Isaiah, God sent His promise – the promise of a Messiah. 

 “For to us…”

 Three words that build a bridge between us and the Almighty God. He is not absent. He is active; He initiates. 

 “A child is born…”

 A human child who will restore what humanity through Adam had destroyed.

 “A son is given...”

 A gift of the divine Son, for only God can rebuild what He has created.

 “And the Government shall be upon his shoulder.”

 This does not mean that God will sanctify a particular government, but it does mean that He is sovereign over all, and He bears the weight of government so that we rest in His governance and not that of an earthly leader or establishment.

“And His name shall be called…”

In Ancient Near Eastern culture, a person’s name was synonymous with his or her character. So by listing the now-familiar names of “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace,” Isaiah was giving his listeners a peek into the character of the promised Messiah. 

During this Advent season, we will study the character of the Messiah as He is portrayed throughout scripture. Then, we will explore, and attempt to receive, two of the gifts the Messiah brings: grace and peace. 

May God give us eyes to see, ears to hear, open hearts, and willing hands. We are praying for you, your family, and our communities.