“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.” Isa. 9:6
Lord Jesus, I woke up on this August 3rd with the melody of “Joy to the World” streaming in my head and heart. Maybe because the last 4 days I’ve been “lingering” in your presence with friends on a Montana Ranch. It wasn’t written as a Christmas hymn any more than Isa.9:6 should only be pondered and preached in December. In fact, I want to preach it to my heart right now.
Hallelujah Jesus, the government of the entire cosmos is already sitting squarely on your strong and loving shoulders. Nothing happens apart from your sovereign discretion, doing, and delight.
You are Wonderful Counselor—that is, our wisdom from God, our “righteous, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30). There is no salvation apart from you. It’s the Gospel or despair.
You are Mighty God—eternally one with the Father, co-equal, co-glorious, co-awesome. There is nothing you can’t do and a part of your “current doing” involves making all things new and beautiful, and working in all things for our good. Thank you!
You are Everlasting Father—the Son who perfectly reveals what our Father is wondrously like. Because of your finished work, we’ve been adopted into God’s family, and have been given ALL the legal rights and personal delights of belonging to Abba as firstborn children.
You are Prince of Peace—our peace with God, our heart-peace, our peace in every storm. Right now, on this August 2025 Sunday, your Kingdom of peace is growing everywhere, and you will return on the perfect Day to usher in the new heaven and new earth. As ruler of the kings of the earth, you laugh at the huffiness and hubris of world politics (Psalm 2). You are daily with mercy, generous with grace, passionate in your love for us. So Very Amen.