"For a child is born to us. a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace."
This was the verse I really focused on this Christmas. I've always found prophecies extremely interesting. Now that Christ has come, we really can confirm Isaiah's prophecy that power does indeed lay upon Jesus's shoulders. He is Wonder-Counselor, far beyond what the human mind can comprehend, and "remarkable for his wisdom and prudence." When we have concerns, we should be running to him. What can others do that he can't? He is God-Hero, "a warrior and defender of his people, like God Himself." He is Father-Forever, "ever devoted to his people.". And he is the Prince of Peace, "his reign will be characterized by peace." The italics defining the verse are pulled out of the footnotes of the Bible.
Isaiah 9:6 reminds us how powerful, loving, and great Jesus is. The other part of the verse that gets me is how it states "a child is born to us" and "a son is given to us." He was not born for Mary or Joseph, not even for God himself. For us. The Wonder-Counselor, the God-Hero, the Father-Forever, and the Prince of Peace was born for us. Jesus truly was a gift, and the greatest gift we could ever receive. We don't deserve him, and it's humbling to realize. However, giving an expensive gift is well worth it if the receiver is grateful. God doesn't need our gratitutude. He doesn't need us. But he loves us, and wants us. And we're not forced to love him. Loving him back and showing appreciation, out of our free-will, means more than we realize to Him. You won't go unnoticed.
