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As we approach Christmas, it's easy to get caught up in the secular celebrations and lose sight of who we're really honoring. While the world focuses on reindeer, Santa Claus, and a baby in a manger, we need to understand that we don't serve a baby in a manger - we serve the risen, reigning King of Kings.

What Does Isaiah Teach Us About the Messiah?

Isaiah, often called the "silver-tongued prophet" because of his eloquent speech, was likely born of noble birth and highly educated. His writings are essentially poetry, making him perhaps the first rapper of biblical times. Throughout his book, you'll find three consistent themes that appear on almost every page:

  • Judgment (chapters 1-39)
  • Comfort (chapters 40-55)
  • Hope (chapters 56-66)

 

This pattern reveals something crucial about God's character: He never judges without offering comfort, and He always provides hope after repentance.

What Is Biblical Hope?

Hope isn't wishful thinking - it's the right to rejoice before something has happened. It's the ability to dance before the breakthrough comes. While it's powerful to praise God for what He's already done, there's another level of praise that becomes prophetic to your future - praising Him for what He's about to do, even when you can't see it yet.

How Did Isaiah Prophesy About Jesus 700 Years Early?

Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah are so detailed and accurate that many theologians call Isaiah "the fifth gospel." His words are quoted over 60 times in the New Testament. Remarkably, Jesus Himself read from Isaiah in the synagogue and declared, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

Consider the virgin birth prophecy: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name Emmanuel." When Isaiah spoke these words 700 years before Christ, people probably thought he'd lost his mind. But God's timing is perfect.

What Does "A Child Is Born, A Son Is Given" Mean?

This phrase from Isaiah 9:6 reveals the dual nature of Christ. "A child is born" speaks to His humanity - Jesus was born in time and space through a human mother. "A son is given" refers to His eternal sonship - He always existed with the Father. This is why Jesus could say, "Before Abraham was, I am."

Why Will the Government Be Upon His Shoulder?

In ancient times, keys were carried on the shoulder to signify authority. When Isaiah says "the government will be upon his shoulder," he's declaring that Jesus has ultimate authority - not just over a nation, but over all creation. His leadership is marked by wisdom, justice, and divine order, not tyranny or corruption.

What Do the Five Names of Jesus Mean?

Wonderful

This means miracle, marvel, a wonder beyond comprehension. Jesus is supernatural - He can speak to the blind and they see, to the deaf and they hear, to the lame and they walk. Everything He does brings us to awe because He is truly wonderful.

Counselor

He is the perfect advisor and guide. Unlike earthly kings who depend on counselors, Jesus needs no counsel because He is God. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, His ways higher than our ways. When you need wisdom, just set an appointment with the Counselor.

Mighty God

He is God the warrior who never loses a fight. When warfare is strong, remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. He has defeated sin, Satan, death, hell, and the grave. He is the victorious warrior who fights your battles.

Everlasting Father

This refers to Him as the source of eternal life and the one who cares for His people as a father cares for children. He provides protection, provision, and unconditional love. When you need nurturing, crawl into the lap of your Everlasting Father.

Prince of Peace

The Hebrew "Sar Shalom" means ruler of peace and captain of wholeness. This isn't just the absence of conflict - it's wholeness, harmony, well-being, and completeness. Jesus brings peace with God, peace within yourself, and peace among His people.

How Does This Change Our Christmas Celebration?

Don't leave this season thinking about just a baby. Think about an awe-inspiring, majestic, wonderful, extravagant God whose name is Jesus - the One who flings stars and galaxies by His words, who causes light to invade darkness, who can step into your world and bring healing and wholeness.

This is especially important during Christmas, which can bring both joy and sorrow. For some, it's excitement about family; for others, it's pain from loss or loneliness. Whether this is your first Christmas without a loved one or you're facing challenges, remember that the Prince of Peace is here to make things whole in you.

Life Application

This week, instead of focusing on Christmas as just a historical event about a baby born long ago, practice relating to Jesus through His five names. When you need wisdom, talk to your Wonderful Counselor. When facing battles, call on your Mighty God. When you need comfort, rest in your Everlasting Father. When anxiety overwhelms you, receive peace from your Prince of Peace.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Which of Jesus's five names do I need to experience most right now?
  • Am I limiting Jesus to just a baby in a manger, or am I relating to Him as the risen, reigning King?
  • How can I practice prophetic praise this week - praising God for what He's about to do before I see it?
  • Where in my life do I need the Prince of Peace to bring wholeness and restoration?