This article is a companion to Pastor’s sermon. We encourage you to watch the full message below.
The Prophecy That Changed Everything
Have you ever felt completely hopeless? Like darkness was closing in from every direction? That’s exactly where God’s people found themselves 700 years before the first Christmas. But through the prophet Isaiah, God delivered an extraordinary message of hope that would echo through the centuries:
“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.” – Isaiah 9:6
This wasn’t just another prophecy – it was the prophecy that would change everything. But imagine being there when Isaiah first spoke these words. The people were under threat from the mighty Assyrian Empire, living in darkness and desperation. They needed hope, but could they have possibly understood that this promise would take 700 years to fulfill?
From Darkness to Light: The Promise Fulfilled
Fast forward to a small town called Bethlehem. What seemed impossible was happening exactly as God had planned. The prophecy wasn’t just about any child – it was about Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Matthew’s Gospel confirms this connection:
“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” – Matthew 4:16
Four Names That Change Everything
Let’s look at the four extraordinary titles Isaiah gave to this promised child:
1. Wonderful Counselor
The Hebrew word for “wonderful” means literally “beyond comprehension.” Think about it – Jesus’s virgin birth, His perfect life, His resurrection – everything about Him is truly wonderful and beyond our full understanding.
2. Mighty God
This isn’t just about power – it’s about divine authority. Jesus demonstrated this might through His miracles, His victory over death, and His continuing reign over all creation.
3. Everlasting Father
Unlike earthly kings who claimed to be fathers to their people but died, Jesus lives forever. His promise remains true today: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18).
4. Prince of Peace
In a world desperately seeking peace through politics, wealth, or philosophy, Jesus offers something entirely different:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” – John 14:27
The Peace That Changes Everything
Here’s what makes Jesus’s peace different from anything the world offers:
- It’s permanent, not temporary
- It’s perfect, not partial
- It’s personal, not general
- It’s powerful, not weak
The Christmas Challenge
As we approach Christmas, I want to challenge you with three specific actions:
- Reflect Daily: Spend 10 minutes each day meditating on one of Christ’s four titles from Isaiah 9:6
- Share Hope: Find one person this week who needs to hear about the true hope of Christmas
- Choose Peace: In moments of anxiety or fear, actively claim the peace that Jesus offers
A Promise for Today
Remember this powerful truth: Jesus died a death He didn’t deserve so that we could live a life we don’t deserve. This isn’t just ancient history – it’s a living reality. The same Jesus who fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy wants to bring hope to your situation today.
The hope of Christmas isn’t found in presents under a tree or festive decorations. It’s found in a person – Jesus Christ. He is still:
- Your Wonderful Counselor in confusion
- Your Mighty God in weakness
- Your Everlasting Father in loneliness
- Your Prince of Peace in chaos
“Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” – Isaiah 9:7
As we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s remember that Jesus isn’t just part of the Christmas story – He is the Christmas story. He is our hope, our peace, and our future.
Will you join us in embracing the true hope of Christmas this year?