For unto Us a Child is Born

For unto Us a Child is Born 

God spoke through Isaiah, the prophet many hundreds of years before Jesus was born, telling the Jewish people that He would send them a Child.  But this wouldn’t be just any child.  God promised a very special Child!  He spoke these words through Isaiah: “Therefore the Lord will give you a sign: a virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call his name Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’.”  (Isaiah 7:14)   

This promised child’s name means “God with us”!  God continues describing this child through his prophet Isaiah.  Let’s listen: “For unto us a child is born, unto 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.  And of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness.  From that time on and forever more.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.  (Isaiah 9:6-7)

The people of Israel were looking for this promised Child, this Messiah, this Emmanuel or ‘God with us’.  God promised a Child to be born, but also a Lamb to be slain (killed) (Revelations 13:8)  We can also see Him in his humiliation when we read Isaiah’s prophecies and other Scriptures.

God’s prophecies through Isaiah tell us that this Child will be called Wonderful, Counselor and Mighty God.  He is able to save to the uttermost.  Another name for this Child is “Everlasting Father” He was born into our world and He is God, one with the Father, who is from everlasting to everlasting.

  And He is the “Prince of Peace”.  He is our peace.  As King, He preserves, commands and creates peace in his kingdom.  When He governs it shall be a peaceable government.  He will settle it with justice and judgment.  There shall be no end to the increase of his governing.    

God speaks through Isaiah describing what this promised Child will bring to the world.  “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light: those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them the Light has shined.  You have multiplied the nation, You have increased its joy:  They rejoice before You as with joy at the harvest.”  Isaiah 9:2-3)

 One of Jesus’ many names is “Light” or “the Light of the world”.  That great Light which should visit those who sat in darkness would bring deliverance to the captives.  The design of the gospel is to break the yoke of sin and Satan.  And to remove the burden of sin and corruption.  And Jesus’ coming also brings his followers great joy along with liberty and victory.

The same Child that is called the “mighty God” is also the “Child who is born”.  Jesus is born for us, given for us. This holy Child humbled and emptied himself, to exalt and fill us. Billions of Christians down through the ages have worshiped Him and celebrated the Gift of this Child and Savior. 

 We celebrate at Christmastime.  We gather together with family and sing carols, give gifts and rejoice all because a Child is born and a Son is given.  Given to us and given for us. He is God’s gift to us.