The Christmas Gift of Heaven

Isa 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.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

I suppose verse 6 has always been my favorite Christmas verse. It summarizes all that our gracious Saviour is to me and all His redeemed. He is the King to Whom we bow. A greater adjective could not be turned into a name for Jesus than “Wonderful.”

The hem of the garment is barely touched when we call Him Counsellor. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and that same wisdom is always liberally available to those who ask of this Wonderful Counsellor.

The Mighty God, Everlasting Father! Those religions which deny the deity of Christ wiggle and cringe at this emphatic declaration. That babe in the manger is almighty God, the Ancient of Days! Mark Lowry and Buddy Green’s song says it well…

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

And finally, He is known as the Prince of Peace. Longfellow lamented,

And in despair, I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth, I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

The thing is, the Saviour did bring peace with God to all those whose sins would be forgiven and the peace of God for all who trust in Him.

Tis a merry Christmas for those who claim Jesus as Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.