Joy to the World

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

This week, many tables will be full, many rooms will be lit, and many songs will be sung. Christmas traditions differ, but at the center of every godly celebration is a single, astonishing fact: God has acted — not from afar, but in flesh. Isaiah’s prophecy compresses both the wonder and the functionality of that action: a child is born, yet the child is the one on whose shoulders the government rests. The babe of Bethlehem is also the reigning King.

This truth reshapes everything — worship, hope, fear, family life, and our understanding of God's covenant faithfulness. We do not simply celebrate a sentimental birth; we worship the sovereign God who brings salvation according to His eternal plan.

Isaiah references a child and a son — language that emphasizes human vulnerability and family bonds — then gives Him titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Each of the four names in Isaiah 9:6 comforts the weary and addresses our deepest needs.

Wonderful Counselor — Christ knows the human heart and guides his people with wisdom. He does what we cannot: counsel sinners into repentance and faith.

Mighty God — The one born as a child is omnipotent. He accomplishes salvation by power, not merely persuasion.

Eternal Father — This title stresses care and the permanence of his covenant love. In Christ we are adopted into the household of the triune God.

Prince of Peace — Peace here is restored relationship — reconciliation with God, with neighbor, and ultimately a healed creation. Peace comes through the cross and resurrection, not through human compromise.

The prophet Isaiah declares that He was given to us. Salvation is not earned; it is a gift. Scripture affirms that our receiving depends entirely on God’s initiative: from election to justification, sanctification to glorification, all is by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8–9).

Christmas proclaims that the greatest gift, Jesus, was given to all who would believe.

Merry Christmas from your shepherd,

Pastor Mark.