For to Us

For to Us

By Shirley Mitchell

“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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”
Isaiah 9:6-7

Are you ready for Christmas? Did you start on your shopping list for your loved ones months ago or were you one of those crazy people out the day after Thanksgiving to get those bargains? Have you started putting up your Christmas tree? Have you started either the “sweet reminding” or hearing the “gentle nag” to put up your outdoor Christmas lights? What are you hoping will happen this Christmas? Are you hoping to receive that Pampered Chef stoneware, new camera, gift cards to your favorite store, a cruise, or even a diamond ring?

Many of us have Christmas traditions and have some idea in our head of what Christmas should be like. God is asking me to take a step back and think about if I am really celebrating Christmas in a way that honors Him. I am not ready for Christmas in any sense that the Americans celebrate it today. I haven’t bought a present, written a Christmas card, put up a tree, scheduled Christmas pictures, or made a shopping list. Do you know where I’m starting first this year? I’m starting in my heart. I’m reading all of the Christmas passages, you will be seeing what God has shown me over the next few weeks.

Today we start with Isaiah 9:6-7. Isn’t it amazing that God revealed to His prophet hundreds of years earlier about His Son? God told him that His Son came to set up an everlasting government and peace. He rules on David’s throne. He has dominion over all creation.

Isaiah says that He will be called Wonderful. He is a wonder to me still. He never ceases to make me marvel at Him. His works are magnificent. He is the thorough and caring physician. I’m astonished that He loves me. I’m flabbergasted that He uses me for His kingdom. It renders me speechless when someone else’s life is touched through what He does through mine.

He is our Counselor. He is my confidant and my very best friend. He always listens and always gives the perfect advice. He has never been wrong.

Isaiah says He will be called Mighty God. He is stronger than any human and more valiant than the bravest soldier. He is God of all. He is mighty to save. No one is too far out of His reach. He saves!

He is Everlasting Father. He will exist forever! From the Hebrew, He is father, chief, and the head of the family. He deserves respect and honor.

Lastly, He is the Prince of Peace! He gives peace in any circumstance. Through Him, we can rejoice always. His peace transcends human understanding. I understand it greatly today as my husband recovers from his surgery and has had some bumpy complications. He has been my peace when I could have just been so tired or not known how to speak to the doctor or pack an open wound. He is my peace through anything!

Precious one, let’s remember make this the most special Christmas ever because we choose to focus on our Savior and worship Him. Let’s celebrate those blessed words, “for to us a child is born!”

Pray with me: Almighty God, thank You for sending Your Son to have the government on His shoulders and to rule over all. Thank You Jesus, for being Wonderful, our Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Thank You for coming to save us and not condemn us (John 3:17). In Your precious Name, we pray. Amen!