Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

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We typically say, “Like father, like son,” because a kid tends to pick up traits from a parent. So how do you make sense of Isaiah 9:6, which says Jesus, the Son, will be called “Everlasting Father”? As we conclude our Advent series, He Shall Be Called, I think it’s worth digging a little deeper as we continue to follow Christ and receive from our heavenly Father moving forward.

Scripture is clear that Jesus Christ is unchanging—like the Heavenly Father, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus told people plainly that if they had seen Him, they had seen the Father too (John 14:9). There are so many verses in the Bible that reveal the inseparable nature of God the Father and God the Son. Essentially, they are distinguishable as persons, but indistinguishable as Deity. When we discover that Jesus shall be called “Everlasting Father,” it is a lot to take in but the truth resonates. It is fitting to say, “Like Son, like Father,” because Jesus and God are one in the same. Their divine attributes flow flawlessly both ways. And this sets the stage to take today’s passage, James 1:17, to heart.

Whether you are looking to Jesus or the Heavenly Father, in both cases, their presence and presents are always good. We can trust them because they always have been, and always will be, perfect. They’re always available. They’re always with us. They always lead us from temptation. They always give us perfectly good gifts, exactly what we need at just the right time. God, the Son and the Father, always deserve our worship because only they are worthy of our honor, praise, gratitude, reverence, and service forever. Ultimately, when we look to Jesus, we discover this truth firsthand: “Like Son, like Father. Always.”

I don’t know if you got all the gifts you wanted for Christmas a few days ago. Or if all the gifts you received were good. What I can tell you is that the birth of Jesus, and His life, death, and resurrection, make for the greatest gift of all. And we have our always good, always great, always unchanging, Heavenly Father to thank as we walk with and receive from Him in the season ahead.

Next Steps

You might be in the middle of writing thank you notes to gift-givers in your life. If not, no pressure, but perhaps there’s one that you would consider adding:

Consider doing this exercise with a friend or fellow small group member over coffee. 

Take time today to write a note of gratitude to your heavenly Father for good and perfect gifts you’ve received from Him.