2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied exultation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
It’s Christmas Eve! Tomorrow, we will celebrate Christmas, a day of joyous gift giving in honor of the greatest gift of all—not just a child, not just a son, but God’s only son, given because of God’s great love for us. Perhaps you have heard of the “Four Gift Rule.” It is a strategy suggested to parents to keep spending in check by minimizing the length of wish lists and keeping the focus of the holiday on the birth of Christ. The four gifts are something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read.
In the passage for today, four titles are listed for the child: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Imagine you have four beautifully wrapped gifts in front you. The first one you open (Wonderful Counselor) is a foundation of wisdom and knowledge (Mathew 7:24) given to you without judgment if you ask (James 1:15). Now open the second gift–the yoke of your burden, the bar across your shoulder, and the rod of your oppressor are broken (Isaiah 9:4) for you can do all things through Christ (Mighty God) who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Put your burdens in that box and give them to God. The third gift is from a store with a No Returns policy. It will be with you always and will care for you always, an Everlasting Father. It’s that shepherd from Psalm 23. Last, but certainly not least, is the Prince of Peace, who made peace between you and God. The Prince of Peace also has the power to bring true peace to Earth. We all received a wonderful gift when Christ was born.
Regardless of how many gifts might find their way to you this Christmas, you can keep your focus on Christ by taking a moment to take a deep breath and think of Isaiah’s titles for the child whose birth he prophesized and then simply saying “Thank you!”
Contributed by Amy Rossetti