December 25, 2025 - Isaiah 9

“Unto us a child is born,” and to him are given names and, oh my, what names!  “Wonderful Counselor” -- Throughout the opening chapters of Isaiah human wisdom is decried as folly.  By contrast, the Coming One would give wondrous counsel, unfailing in the depth of its wisdom.  “Mighty God” – in the Hebrew, 'el gibbor -- everywhere else this term occurs in the Bible there is no doubt that the term refers to God (Is. 10:21; Dt. 10:17; Jer. 32:18).  This king will have God’s true might about him, power without limit.  “Everlasting Father” – the Alpha and the Omega, the One without beginning or end, the Eternal God.  “Prince of Peace” -- What sort of king is this?  He is a peaceful king, one who comes in peace and one who establishes peace by the blood of his cross.  Through him will come the reconciliation between God and man that will then make possible reconciliation between man and man (53:5; 57:19; 66:12; Luke 2:14; John 16:33; Rom. 5:1; Heb. 12:14).  What names!

To us a child of hope is born,

to us a son is giv’n.

Him shall the tribes of earth obey,

him all the hosts of heav’n,

him shall the tribes of earth obey,

him all the hosts of heav’n.

His name shall be the Prince of peace,

forevermore adored,

the Wonderful, the Counselor,

the great and mighty Lord,

the Wonderful, the Counselor,

the great and mighty Lord.

His pow’r, increasing, still shall spread,

his reign no end shall know.

Justice shall guard his throne above,

and peace abound below,

justice shall guard his throne above,

and peace abound below.   --Michael Bruce & John Morison (1781)