Greetings! We want to bring you an encouraging word of hope this Christmas of 2021, which is embedded inside one of the most powerful prophecies of Scripture found in Isaiah 9:6-7. As we are experiencing what seems to be a dark and challenging time in the earth, we see light arising! These verses are so often quoted at Christmastime: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”
This word from Isaiah was prophesied during a politically dark time under the wicked ruler King Ahaz, who at that time destroyed and closed the Lord’s temple (see 2 Chronicles 28:24). We find in Isaiah 8:21-22, that the people were distressed, and experiencing fear and economic lack. As a result, they became angry at the government, and many were questioning God. The landscape was much like today.
Yet, there are four encouraging truths found in Isaiah 9:6-7:
- First, the prophecy revealed that something supernatural was arising amidst the darkness. Despite what we see taking place in the earth and nation right now, know that God always has a supernatural, redemptive plan.
- Secondly, something was being birthed, who would be Jesus. It’s likely when Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would bear a child that people reasoned how that could possibly be. We often forget that God births that which can’t be explained with human reasoning. Regardless of what we are seeing, God is birthing a mighty outpouring!
- Third, Isaiah’s prophecy shows that during a dark time, God used the prophetic to bring hope. The prophet’s word was the opposite of what was happening, and it was a word of good tidings.
- The fourth factor is seen in Luke 2:9 as Isaiah’s prophecy comes to pass, where the heavenly hosts appeared to the shepherds watching their flocks by night. The analogy is that God specifically used shepherds to help facilitate this prophetic word while it was still dark. Like today, God is raising up key voices, pastors, and leaders to declare His plan and it’s this: Something supernatural is happening amidst the darkness. Something from God is being birthed in the earth, and heaven is declaring a word of hope!
We also want to take a moment to remind you of the characteristics Isaiah’s prophecy described about Jesus and how they are important for today:
Wonderful Counselor
This reveals that Jesus would be the figure who would provide heavenly wisdom and divine understanding to humanity. He would insert His purposes into political issues to bring counsel, correction, divine intervention, and disruptions. Have the assurance that God is inserting Himself in what is happening governmentally and politically and bringing His counsel.
The Mighty God
This was to emphasize God’s unmatchable strength and power. It revealed that God’s might would prevail above all and that no enemy can withstand it. When the heavenly hosts appeared to the shepherds it was not just a handful of angels! It was all the armies of heaven that came to show the might of God’s hand that would protect and assure that God’s plan would not be aborted!
The Everlasting Father
This was to show the Father’s unfailing love for us. It expresses that God is concerned for our well-being, just as any earthly father cares for the well-being of his children. God is caring for us during this time of trial and difficulty.
Prince of Peace
This characteristic shows that God has come to bless, to bring prosperity, and to bring rest. God wants us to experience His peace and rest and has come to lift our burdens. He is causing us to experience the abundant life Jesus promised regardless of the surrounding spiritual warfare.
In closing, remember the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy brought the announcement of peace on earth, goodwill toward men as was spoken to the shepherds. Never lose hope this Christmas that God’s plan is in motion, bringing good tidings to the earth and to YOU! May the word given to the shepherds in the dark of night, bring you this hope: “Your future will be as bright as your past has been dark.”
We can truly see from Isaiah 9:6-7 that God always has a divine plan in motion even during very dark times. Know that God is giving you peace and His goodwill this Christmas and you can rest assured that His divine plan is working on the earth, in the nation, and in your life! For unto us a son has been given!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!