“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
Why is Christmas considered a season of hope? We celebrate the birth of a baby boy who, thirty-odd years later, was crucified – that doesn’t bode well for optimism. As we go through life, hope often eludes us amid pain and suffering at every step. Nevertheless, there is reason to rejoice this holiday season, even in our world full of economic hardships, wars, and natural disasters.
Let’s look at the often-quoted verse from Isaiah for some clues. The opening fits right in with our image of baby Jesus in the manger. It’s important to note that this child was born for us and given to us. His birth wasn’t an accident; it had a specific purpose with us in mind.
The next part of the sentence can be confusing. After all, Jesus didn’t rule; he wasn’t part of any government. Quite the opposite. He even avoided political power when the people tried to make him king by force.
This verse highlights Isaiah’s tendency to combine several prophecies into one. He took two events that are thousands of years apart (no one knows precisely how many) and condensed them into one sentence. Jesus came to earth the first time as a baby, but he will come again as a king.
We know what happened during Jesus’ first stay on earth. His life demonstrated what love, joy, and peace are all about, and he willingly died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. But death couldn’t hold him; he triumphed over the grave and ultimately returned to his rightful place in heaven.
Jesus’ first coming alone gives us many reasons to hope, but the story doesn’t end there. If we are to experience hope in all its fullness, it’s essential to grasp the truths about Christ’s second coming. He will return to rule on the earth and to set right all that is wrong. I know this may sound like a fairy tale – too good to be true – but if God kept his promises concerning Jesus’ first coming, proving the prophecies reliable and trustworthy, why dismiss those about his future return to earth?
What kind of king will Jesus be? Isaiah describes him for us. As a “Wonderful Counselor,” he will have extraordinary wisdom and will give us all the insight we need. “Mighty God” points to his divinity and power, leaving no doubt. “Everlasting Father” describes his fatherly care or protection for his people (not to be confused with God the Father). And lastly, “Prince of Peace” reveals the nature of his kingdom. There will finally be peace on earth as we have never known it before.
Christmas is a season of hope because we aren’t just celebrating the child in the manger; we are also rejoicing over the future king. The world as we know it will be renewed, and when we remember this, hope fills our hearts.
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Thank you so much, Carol, for reminding us of our blessedness and reward now reigning at the Father’s right hand. That baby, crucified, raised, ascended, and now enthroned in power, has gone before us to prepare a place for us, having won for us union and communion with himself for the coming age of ages. That surely is a reason to celebrate no matter what our circumstances. Blessed Advent to you!
Thank you. To you, too!