Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born. To us a son is given. The authority to rule will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no limit to his authority and no end to the peace he brings. He will rule on David’s throne and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from now on, into eternity. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for sending us your Son, born of a virgin, to be our Savior. You have given him authority; as Isaiah wrote, it rests on his shoulders. Jesus came here able to suffer in our place for all our sins; he was both God and man to carry out your plan of salvation. Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor suffering for our sins to remove the guilt and shame we feel from them. Jesus took all this pain away and wiped away every tear from our eyes. As our Counselor, Jesus lived loving you and everyone flawlessly so that we would be credited with his perfection. He is our mighty God; had he come as only a man, his death would have no bearing on anyone else, but as the Mighty God, he is also infinite and took the world’s sins into himself. He suffered the punishment due to us, and, as our mighty God, Jesus consumed the world’s sin. You are a just God and punished your Son in our place—justice was served. Jesus is our Everlasting Father, defeating death for us. On the cross, Jesus gave up his life so that he would take it back up again. The gospel writers recorded, “he gave up his spirit” and “he breathed his last.” Jesus defeated death that day so that all who believed in him they have life. Jesus forgave us our sins, and by trusting in him, we are forgiven. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Since Jesus has credited us with his perfection, suffered for our sins, and died to rise again, through faith, peace is returned; we are restored to you, which is true peace. David’s kingdom is not earthly but that of all believers, and you have established Jesus to rule over your people by love and mercy into eternity.
Thank you for sending us your Son; please provide opportunities to share this good news with those who do not know or trust in Jesus. Let us share with them what the gift of Christmas is all about—your justice, love, and forgiveness. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
No ordinary child was born that first Christmas; he was the Savior of all the nations. Everyone who believes in Jesus has the forgiveness of sins, restoration to the Father, salvation, and everlasting life. Jesus was the greatest gift ever given.