Royal titles for newborn child still bring hope

Isaiah chapter nine verse six is a famous prophecy of the Messiah, ?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 writes this prophetic birth announcement for the Davidic Crown Prince. Along with the miraculous defeat of oppressors (Isaiah 9:4), and the end of war (Isaiah 9:5), this birth is the reason for praising God (Isaiah 9:3).

God?s gifts of victory, peace and the King are like light breaking forth into darkness (Isaiah 9:1-2). These gracious gifts are cause for rejoicing, thanksgiving and hope.

At the time, political crisis in the Mideast was high and spiritual commitment was low. Sounds familiar, doesn?t it?

Corrupt King Ahaz was on the Davidic throne, but when good King Hezekiah came along, hopes were renewed. While Hezekiah proved flawed, his good qualities provided a snapshot of the perfect royalty to come.

About 735 years later, Jesus of Nazareth was born in Bethlehem, King David?s home town. Luke records an angel announcing to the shepherds that, ?Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).?

The four throne titles in Isaiah 9:6 for the newborn child bring hope to us as well. Christians have experienced something of these four royal names with Christ?s first advent and they resound expectation for their final fulfillment.

First, the child is the Wonderful Counselor. The word for ?wonderful? confronts us with God himself.

Edward Young points out that the root word is used of God?s miracles in delivering his people from Egypt (Psalm 78:12), and is used of God himself in his appearance to Manoah (Judges 13:18).

This counselor has no mere human wisdom. Upon this king rests the divine spirit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding (Isaiah 11:2). Seek this king for his plan of salvation, for the best advice and guidance for your life.

Second, the child is the Mighty God. We need strength to live our lives as God counsels. Temptations easily beset us.

But this Messianic King is God incarnate. He provides strength and power greater than any enemy in the universe. Rely on Jesus and he will bring victories over sin. He has defeated death itself (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Third, the child is the Everlasting Father. This father is eternal. He never grows old. He never struggles with dementia or forgetfulness. He never dies nor leaves us alone.

Better than the best father, he is beneficent, gentle and provides for our needs. At the same time, he lovingly disciplines us (Hebrews 12:7-11) and firmly challenges us to live lives worthy of God (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

Fourth, the child is the Prince of Peace. Our souls long for peace: peace with God, peace with one another, peace with ourselves. We thirst for rest and solitude from the rush and noise.

We can?t find peace from ourselves or our human leaders. The crown prince, Jesus Christ, is the source of peace. You and I can find peace in a relationship with him. People of every background can find peace with one another through Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22).

At his ascension to the heavenly throne, Jesus claimed, ?All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me (Matthew 28:18).? This Crown Prince has the authority to enforce the peace!

Christians already know his peace even in the face of trials. Many others don?t experience peace and wars rage on, so why doesn?t Jesus just stop all the conflicts now?

The Apostle Peter writes, ?He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).? Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, inaugurated his reign two thousand years ago, and all creation either dreads or anticipates the consummation of his kingdom (Romans 8:19-21; Philippians 2:9-11).

I am thankful that the government is and shall be on his shoulders. With Christ?s leadership there is real peace and joy. Citizens of heaven have every reason to hope, give thanks and celebrate this Advent season.