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. Of the greatness 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…

(Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV)

DEVOTIONAL:

Merry Christmas!

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, let’s look at this week’s scripture, a prophecy about Him that was written 700 years before His birth. Though Jesus operated on earth as a man dependent upon the Holy Spirit, His Names, “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father” reveal His power and divinity while “Wonderful Counselor” and “Prince of Peace” describe His gentle and compassionate nature.

This humble, meek Savior, who sacrificed Himself for the salvation of man, His own creation, was with us for only a short season before He returned to the Father. But soon, Jesus will come again to reign upon the earth. His government will surpass all the governments of the earth in power and peace. The injustices, division and violence that now plague our fallen world will be no more, for Christ will establish His kingdom and uphold it with justice and righteousness when He comes, and He will reign forever.

This Christmas as we look upon the newborn baby in the manger and the angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,” let us remember that this sweet little babe will majestically return to earth as the most powerful of all—“King of kings and Lord of lords!”

PRAYER:

Father, I thank You for sending Jesus to the earth as a newborn babe, born of a virgin. I give You glory as the angels sang that night so long ago. I thank You, most of all, that Jesus paid the ultimate price for my sins, so that I can be forgiven and spend eternity with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.