Greatest Birth Announcement
THE GREATEST BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
“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
Unto Us, a Child is Born
This is the greatest birth announcement to ever be sent! Birth announcements are wonderful ways of sharing and spreading joy. They let family and friends know about the arrival of a new little one into this world.
Sent 700 Years Before it Happened
Birth announcements customarily go out after the baby is born and usually include the child’s first name. This announcement, however, was quite different. It was sent before the birth, in fact, it was sent out seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus.
Given Four Powerful Names
Isaiah’s announcement includes four names: “his name shall be called –
- Wonderful Counselor,
- Mighty God,
- Everlasting Father,
- Prince of Peace.”
One name wasn’t sufficient to describe this special child.
These names tell us about the life mission of this chosen child. Imagine a birth announcement saying. “And this child is destined to be a star football player, attorney, and one day president of the USA.” This would be a little presumptive and very unlikely. But this announcement was prophetic because Jesus would fulfill each part of this birth announcement.
Jesus would be –
“Wonderful Counselor”
this tells us Jesus will be a supernatural source of extraordinary wisdom. He is infinitely wise, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). He manifested the Spirit of wisdom and the ability to provide counsel. People flocked to hear Him. He was wonderful in His flawless counsel and guidance as Messiah and Lord (Isa. 28:29). This is amazing news for those who need guidance.
“Mighty God”
reveals how Jesus will be divinely strong and powerful. This phrase does not speak of a mere man but, rather, of a God-Man. It stresses the Messiah’s omnipotence and omnipresence. The “Child” born—the “Son” given—was unquestionably God. This is marvelous news for those who are weak.
“Everlasting Father”
being God, Jesus has always existed. This phrase does not refer to God the Father but, rather, to the Messiah (the Second Person of the Godhead), who functions like a father. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things and oversees everything within His creation, as a father does (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:1–4). He also functions as a father in His oversight of Israel and the church. This explains how Jesus will care for his people forever, as a father cares for his children. What incredible news for those who are alone and unappreciated.
“Prince of Peace”
Jesus provides peace between man and God through His atoning death. Everyone who puts faith in Him makes peace with God (Rom. 5:1) and, in turn, receives the peace of God (Phil. 4:7). Ultimately, the Prince of Peace will bring peace to the world when He returns to establish the Millennial Kingdom. Then He will sit on King David’s throne and rule the world (Isa. 9:7; cf. Lk. 1:31–33). This tells us how Jesus helps bring us into deep and right relationships. What wonderful news for all of us who lack peace with each other and with God.
These names brought the Jewish people who believed, great joy and comfort in the midst of dangerous and unsettling circumstances. The same is true for us today. No matter what we’re going through, when we are in Christ, we can look to Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This was the greatest birth annoucement ever and was sent to the whole world!
Merry Christmas Everyone