The Light Has Come: Part 2

Christmas Eve carries a holy weight when we let Scripture speak. ISAIAH 9:6 (ESV) says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given." The promise is both tender and majestic. A child is born. A son is given. Human birth and divine gift belong together in the wonder of Christ's coming. Isaiah gives names that reveal the greatness of the promised King: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. These are not decorative titles. Wonderful Counselor means His wisdom is not shallow. He does not merely advise from human limitation. He reveals the wisdom of God. Mighty God means the child promised is not ordinary. The glory of deity is in view. This promise reaches beyond every merely human ruler. Everlasting Father is royal language of fatherly care and enduring rule. It does not confuse the Son with God the Father, but shows the tender, lasting protection of the King. Prince of Peace means His reign brings peace that human power cannot create.

The government is upon His shoulder. That phrase gives strength to tired hearts. The rule of Christ does not rest on our shoulders. We are called to obedience, but we are not called to carry the kingdom as though it depends on human strength. ISAIAH 9:7 (ESV) says the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. That is the foundation. God's own zeal secures His promise. If Christmas has become heavy with pressure, return to the child who is King. Return to the Son who is given. Return to the Lord whose zeal accomplishes what human striving cannot. The light has come. And His name is worthy of worship. Christmas Eve can become crowded with preparation, but Isaiah calls the heart to behold the King. Every name given in this promise meets a real human need. We need counsel because our wisdom is limited. We need might because our strength fails. We need everlasting care because earthly supports change. We need peace because sin has fractured what only God can restore. MICAH 5:2 (ESV) speaks of the ruler coming from Bethlehem, whose coming forth is from of old. The promised child is not small. He is ancient in glory and near in mercy.