Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
Seven hundred years before Christ came to this earth, God allowed the prophet Isaiah to pen these thrilling words describing our Great Saviour; the Lord Jesus Christ!
In 2011, we can also claim His birth was “unto us,” as Isaiah did long ago. What a joy to know the true meaning of Christmas, the greatest Gift of all; God’s dear son!
Many of our earthly gifts will be opened and soon forgotten. (Isn’t it funny to see our little ones look at their toys awhile, and set them aside and play with the boxes?) I am glad that Christ is God’s Gift that continues to give now and forever. I love the names attributed to our Saviour:
HE IS WONDERFUL
So many during this wonderful time of the year “put on a happy face” and pretend to be joyful and happy (while they pile up debt for the rest of the year). Jesus Christ is our Joy for the Dullness of Life. When trials, tribulations, and the ruts of life begin to take their toll, Christ provides joy for the believer in the midst of suffering. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
HE IS COUNSELLOR
As Counsellor, our Lord never shares our secrets with anyone else. He is trustworthy, tested, and totally able to help us through our problems and uncertainties. As Counsellor, He is our Guide for the Decisions of Life. What decision are you facing today? He will guide you! (Proverbs 3:5,6)
HE IS THE MIGHTY GOD
As God, He is our Saviour for the Detours of Life. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) So many are following false teaching, and wrong paths that do not lead to Heaven. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” (John 14:6) Jesus said in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
HE IS THE EVERLASTING FATHER
As our Everlasting Father, He is our Security for the Duration of Life. The Apostle wrote to the Colossians, ” And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” (Col. 1:17) The One Who began a “good work” in us will see us through to the other shore. With all the uncertainty that prevails in our society, I am glad that the gift of eternal life is as secure and everlasting as our risen Saviour.
HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE
As the Prince of Peace, He is our Stillness in the Disturbances of Life. In Luke 2:14, on the first Christmas in Bethlehem, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Only Jesus can give us real peace of heart. We will never have the peace of God without peace with God. He is available as our “shelter in the time of storm.” We are truly “complete in Him.” (Col. 2:10a)
When all the lights, trees, and decorations are taken down for another year, and the forced smiles of the world are turned to frowns, remember that we as believers can enjoy Christmas 365 days a year! Jesus Christ, the real star of Bethlehem, lives eternally at the right hand of God as that Wonderful Gift that keeps on giving!