“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

The prophet Isaiah described the One who would be Israel’s salvation. No one had ever seen a person fitting this description before, so it could hardly be believed. Yet, believe was exactly what Isaiah was asking them to do.

One day, a child would be born. He would be an ordinary child, and yet not ordinary at all. This child would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This child would have kingdoms resting on his shoulders, and there would be no end to His government. There would be no end to His bringing of peace, of Shalom. In fact, he would be called the Prince of Shalom.

Part of the glory and beauty of Christmas is that, after all the prophecies, all the promises, all of the times God has intervened and given His people hope…

Don’t give up. Don’t give up. Don’t give up. There is a great Savior coming. There’s a Redeemer coming. There is a Son who will bless the nations. There’s a Seed that will crush the head of the serpent. There is One who will be the Prince of Peace. He will fix what broke…

Finally, He comes! And His name is Jesus.

Meditation: Soak in Isaiah 9:6. Let the busyness of this time of year fade away for a few precious minutes. Read slowly through each element of Isaiah 9:6. Let this ancient prophecy of the One who is coming ignite your heart today.

Prayer: Jesus, right now, be every element of Isaiah 9:6 in my life. Be my wonderful counselor in the midst of confusion. Be my mighty God, making my problems look small in comparison to your magnificent power. Be my everlasting Father; I am your everlasting child. In the midst of my anxiety, be the Prince of Peace.