For to us a child is born,
     to us a son is given,
     and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
      Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

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Waiting for Christmas Day is hard, but it’s nothing compared to God’s people waiting thousands of years for the Messiah to be born. By the time the prophet Isaiah penned the verse above, everyone still had to wait nearly 600 more years before Jesus arrived as a baby in Bethlehem. The Lord’s humble birth in a manger came with no fanfare, yet King Herod found himself threatened a couple of years after Christ’s arrival. Since Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection some 2,000 years ago, His followers have waited for Him to return again, as promised. Today, we celebrate the newborn King of Kings because what’s true of His birth carries over forever!

Before we get too carried away with holiday festivities, family gatherings, and a flurry of exchanging gifts, I’d like to propose a three-part cheer based on Isaiah 9:6. It’s a well-worn passage, one that you likely hear performed by Handel’s masterpiece on the Messiah’s advent. When broken down, this centerpiece prophecy gives us a trifecta of royal truths about Christ to honor today, tomorrow, and into eternity.

1.  Let’s hear it for the King who saves!

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given” (v. 6a). Just as John 3:16 declares, God sent His one and only Son to be fully human, fully divine, and fully sacrificed to forgive your sins and mine.

2. Let’s hear it for the King over all creation!

“And the government will be on his shoulders” (v. 6b). Jesus’ claim to all authority and heaven and on earth in Matthew 28:18 changes everything for His disciples and the birth of the church.

3. Let’s hear it for the King who is most worthy!

“And he will be called…” (v. 6c). There is only one name above all others—the name of Jesus—as Philippians 2:9-11 spells out to skeptics and saints alike.

Our wait is over, for now. Let’s honor Immanuel’s birth because Christmas is here and humble ourselves in preparation for the King of Kings to return once and for all.

Next Steps

If you’d like to dig deeper into Isaiah 9:6, check out “The Child of Prophecy” from the Master’s University. Merry Christmas!