For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.– Isaiah 9:6, ESV
Merry Christmas to one and all!
Today, we remember and celebrate the coming of Jesus. This verse from the prophet Isaiah foretold Jesus’ birth and future ministry centuries before he was born in a Bethlehem stable. I find them comforting.
He is the “Wonderful Counselor.” How many of us need such counsel while navigating the treacherous waters of life after discovering adultery? Jesus can be our “Wonderful Counselor” through using godly people speaking truth and love to us in this season.
He is “Mighty God.” How many of us need a powerful friend in our time of distress? Jesus can be our “Might God;” reminding us that he still is enthroned and will have the last say on injustice.
He is the “Prince of Peace.” How many of us long to rest in his peace in the midst of the turmoil tornadoes wrought by infidelity? Jesus can be our source of peace as we unburden our worries and anxieties to him in prayer with thanksgiving (see Philippians 4:6-7).
And I especially love the next verse (vv.7), which speaks of Jesus establishing his kingdom in peace with righteousness and justice. I love to imagine a world “set right” were injustice and unrighteousness (like adultery) is judged and not tolerated. Some day we will experience the fullness of that kingdom even if we only catch glimpses of it here and now.
This Christmas season let us remember the greatest gift given to humanity–i.e. Jesus. He is our hope, our comfort, our friend, and our God. Thanks be to God who came in the flesh to be Immanuel–God with us!!
Merry Christmas!
I want to thank you for this post and this site. I now know what the Bible was talking about when it says we’ve got to fight the good fight of faith. Being Godly and dealing with adultery is tough! So I battle with God everyday to stay holy, to try to forgive (him and myself), to be thankful that my foundation is strong enough not to be totally shattered by this life changing event.
That was just an empty verse before…now I know what it’s like to have my faith attacked and to fight to keep it alive.
Merry Christmas, DM, to you and yours.