Isaías 9

Isaías 9

Meyer - Our Daily Homily - Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. Is the government of your life upon his shoulder? In olden times the badge of office was worn there, and in some cases a key (Isaiah 22:22). It was on his shoulder that Aaron bore the names of the tribes. The shoulder is the symbol of strength. It is well when the government of our lives rests on the strong Son of God. It is a blessed day in our experience that witnesses the transference of the rule of life to the Wonderful, the Counsellor, the Mighty God; because all these exalted altitudes of his nature well qualify Him to become the King and Guide of men. The moment of definitely imposing the government upon the Lord Jesus is generally a marked one in our lives. It stands out as the first of a long series. It is the staple for a chain of successive links, because we are always increasing that government in proportion as we become more familiar with our nature and opportunities, and as new departments of our life open up before us. You were consecrated before marriage, but after you have a home of your own there is a widening of the sphere of Christ’s government. But just in proportion to the increase of his government will be the increase of your peace. As the one extends, so does the other. And he who has extended the dominion of Jesus to the furthest limits of his being, will know most of the peace that passeth understanding. There is Peace where there is Unity; where the soul has but one object to engross its love and aim; where it is able to count on the illimitable stores of its King. “Yield to the Lord, with simple heart, All that thou hast and all thou art! Renounce all strength but strength divine, And Peace shall be for ever thine!” PAUL APPLE Jehovah is Salvation - 1130 pages THOMAS CONSTABLE Expository Notes Isaiah 9 Commentary ROB MORGAN Isaiah 9 The Lands that Long in Darkness Lay Isaiah 9 Jesus: Prince of Peace JAMES HASTINGS Isaiah 9:6 THE GIFT OF A SON BILLY SUNDAY Isaiah 9:6 Wonderful BRIAN BELL Isaiah 9 Commentary CHRIS BENFIELD Isaiah 9:6 More than a Babe in the Manger Isaiah 9:6 The Promise of the Prince of Peace BRIAN BILL - illustrations, applications Isaiah 9:6-7 One Baby with Many Names Isaiah 9:1-7 The 4-Fold Name Of Jesus W A CRISWELL Isaiah 9:6 The Wonderful Child Isaiah 9:6 The Child of Mary and the Son of God Isaiah 9:6 The Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6 His Name is Wonderful Isaiah 9:6 The Shoulders of Jesus Isaiah 9:6-7 The Two Comings of Christ (2) Isaiah 9:6-7 The Redeemer's Return Isaiah 9:6-7 Jesus Our Lord - His Shoulders RON DANIEL Isaiah 9:1-7 The Prince of Peace GARY EVERETT Isaiah 9 Commentary SERMON AUDIO List of Sermons on Isaiah 9 GOTQUESTIONS Isaiah 9:6 What does it mean that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor Isaiah 9:6 What does it mean that Jesus is the Prince of Peace? Isaiah 9:6 What is the meaning of “Everlasting Father”? DAVID GUZIK Isaiah 9 Commentary DAN FORTNER Isaiah 9:1-5 Five Great Blessings of The Gospel Isaiah 9:6-7 This Is My Savior Isaiah 9:6 His Name Is Wonderful Isaiah 9:6 His Name Is Counselor Isaiah 9:6 His Name - The Mighty God Isaiah 9:6 His Name is The Everlasting Father Isaiah 9:6 His Name is The Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:8-10:4 What Will It Take To Make You Repent Isaiah 9:1-5 Nevertheless - The Blessings of Christ's Coming Isaiah 9:1-5 The Blessings of Christ's Coming Isaiah 9:1-7 When the Savior Comes Isaiah 9:6 Audrey Grace - A Child Is Born Isaiah 9:6-7 His Name is Wonderful Isaiah 9:6-7 That Name Isaiah 9:6-7 The Blessed Character of Our Savior Isaiah 9:6-7 The Name We Trust H A IRONSIDE Isaiah 9 - THE PROMISED DELIVERER S LEWIS JOHNSON Isaiah 9:1-7 The Child Who Is a Father Isaiah 9:2-7 The Messianic King: The Mighty God J VERNON MCGEE Isaiah 9 Commentary ISAIAH COMMENTARY CHAPTER NINE NAMES OF JESUS Immanuel-Emmanuel Rock of Our Salvation Jesus Name Above All Names He Is The Lamb Of GodChrist Our Rock Christ Our Rock of Refuge Christ Our Rock of Refuge-2 Christ Our Sanctuary Christ The Breaker - Part 1 Christ the Breaker - Part 2 Christ the Breaker - Part 3 Christ the Smitten Rock Christ the Stone Jehovah-Jireh El Elyon - God Most High El Gibbor-Mighty God El Olam - Everlasting God El Roi - God Who Sees El Shaddai Elohim - Mighty God Our Hiding Place God's Name - A Strong Tower Angel of the LORD Jehovah - I Am Jehovah Jireh - God our Provider Jehovah Nissi Jehovah Nissi - LORD our Banner Jehovah Rapha-The LORD Your Healer Jehovah Roi Jehovah Roi (Raah, Rohi) Jehovah Sabaoth - LORD of Hosts Jehovah Shalom: LORD is Peace Jehovah Shammah-The Lord is There The LORD My Help-Jehovah Ezer The Lord Who Sanctifies The Rock of Ages RBC MINISTRY The Amazing Prophecy Of Names - Isaiah's names for the Savior PASTOR LIFE - sermons Isaiah 9:2-7 The Gift That Keeps On Giving J. Mike Minnix Isaiah 9:6 God's Greatest Gift Frank Page Isaiah 9:6 What's In A Name David E. Owen Isaiah 9:6 The Birth That Changed The World fSammy Burgess Isaiah 9:6 Prince of Peace J. Mike Minnix Isaiah 9:6 Wonderful Counselor J. Mike Minnix Isaiah 9:6 Mighty God J. Mike Minnix Isaiah 9:6 His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful Donnie L. Martin Isaiah 9:6-7 A Christmas Promise Franklin L. Kirksey Isaiah 9:6-7 Announcing the Savior Toby Frost Isaiah 9:6-7 The Christ of Christmas Franklin L. Kirksey Isaiah 9:6-7 Peace J. Mike Minnix RON RITCHIE Isaiah 9:6-7 Jesus: Born To Rule BRUCE GOETTSCHE Isaiah 9:6-7: The Humble King Isaiah 9;6-7 The Resume of the Messiah Isaiah 9:6: Mighty God Isaiah 9:6: The Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6: Wonderful Counselor Isaiah 9:6: Everlasting Father C H SPURGEON - sermons Isaiah 9:6 His Name--The Everlasting Father, Isaiah 9:6 His Name--Wonderful, Isaiah 9:6 His Name--Counselor, Isaiah 9:6 His Name--Mighty God DAVID THOMPSON Exposition of Isaiah Isaiah 9:1-7 Commentary SERMON CENTRAL - 497 sermons Sermons on Isaiah 9 - audio and some transcripts, variable quality - below are some of more highly rated, all with transcripts Isaiah 9:6-7 The Hope of Christmas - David Radcliff Isaiah 9:2-7 Unto Us A Son Is Given - Christopher Holdsworth Isaiah 9:2-6, John 8:12 The Light Of Christmas Dennis Lee Isaiah 9:6-7 Five Facts On Jesus Messiah Jordan Muck Isaiah 9:6-7 “a Christian Responsibility” Andy Grossman Isaiah 9:2-6 The Light Of Christmas Stephen Sheane Isaiah 9:6 The Perfect Gift Tim Strickland Isaiah 9:6 Everlasting Father C. Philip Green SERMONS BY VERSE Isaiah 9 - Multiple Older Expositions Great Light in Deep Darkness W. Clarkson Isaiah 9:1, 2 Clearest Promises of Christ in Darkest Times Fulness of Christ W. Bridge, M. A. Isaiah 9:1-7 Good Things in the Days of the Great Messiah E. Erskine. Isaiah 9:1-7 Immanuel the Light of Life Light Out of Darkness G. F. Pentecost, D. D. Isaiah 9:1-7 Lux in Tenebris Nevertheless D. Davies. Isaiah 9:1-7 Phases of Divine Purpose J. Parker, D. D. Isaiah 9:1-7 The Nativity of Our Lord Clergyman's Magazine Isaiah 9:1-7 The Prophecy Explained Bishop Perowne. Isaiah 9:1-7 The Remedy of the World's Misery R. Watson. Isaiah 9:1-7 Vision of Future Glory E. Johnson Isaiah 9:1-7 A Christmas Question Charles Haddon Spurgeon Isaiah 9:6 Characters and Names of Messiah John Newton Isaiah 9:6 Chief Counsels of Christ W. Clarkson Isaiah 9:6 Christ in Relation to Time W. Clarkson Isaiah 9:6 Christian Peace W. Clarkson Isaiah 9:6 His Name -- the Counsellor Charles Haddon Spurgeon Isaiah 9:6 His Name -- the Mighty God Charles Haddon Spurgeon Isaiah 9:6 His Name -- Wonderful! Charles Haddon Spurgeon Isaiah 9:6 Spiritual Empire W. Clarkson Isaiah 9:6 The Fatherhood of God Revealed in Messiah R. Tuck Isaiah 9:6 The Nativity Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 9:6 The Wonderful Lord W. Clarkson Isaiah 9:6 A Christmas Day Sketch B. Preece. Isaiah 9:6-7 A Christmas Question A Prediction of an Ideal King B. Blake, B. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 A Prophecy of Christ W. Gregory. Isaiah 9:6-7 A Son and a Brother F. B. Meyer, B. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Ah! That's the Name Gates of Imagery Isaiah 9:6-7 All Creation At War with the Sinner W. Anderson, LL. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 An Infant's Birth a Great Event W. Jay. Isaiah 9:6-7 Apparent Contradictions B. W. Noel, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ Our Life's Ruler F. B. Meyer, B. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ Presented to Mankind Sinners T. Boston. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Best Counsellor T. Boston. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Counsellor T. Boston. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Counsellor W. Reading, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Everlasting Father T. Boston. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Kinsman of the Race J. B. Brown, B. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Mighty God T. Boston. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the New Life of Humanity J. B. Brown, B. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Prince of Peace T. Boston. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Prince of Peace W. Reading, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Prince of Peace The Evangelist Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Revealer of God J. B. Brown, B. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Revealer of God and the Asserter of Man A. Maclennan, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ the Universal Governor E. Phillips. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ Wonderful in His Victories T. De W. Talmage, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ Wonderful in the Magnetism of His Person T. De W. Talmage, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ, the Son of God, Gifted to Sinners T. Boston. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christians Bear Christ's Image T. Boston. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christmas Celebrates a Personality W. H. Murray. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ's Birthday A. Littleton, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ's Name Above Every Name T. Boston. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christ's Name Wonderful God's Namings Mrs. H. W. Smith. Isaiah 9:6-7 His Name -- the Almighty God His Name -- the Counsellor His Name -- the Everlasting Father His Name -- Wonderful Human Redemption by the Divine Man Novalis. Isaiah 9:6-7 Important Births W. H. Murray. Isaiah 9:6-7 Jesus Christ the King of All Creation Evan Lewis, B. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Jesus Had Universal Connections W. H. Murray. Isaiah 9:6-7 Jesus Meets Universal Wants W. H. Murray. Isaiah 9:6-7 Jesus the Everlasting Father J. H. Evans, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Jesus the Mighty God J. H. Evans, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Jesus the Mighty God J. Parker, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 Messiah the Counsellor B. W. Noel, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Messiah, the Prince of Peace B. W. Noel, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Messiah's Name Sir E. Strachey, Bart. Isaiah 9:6-7 No Extravagance in Christ J. Leckie, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 Redemption from Within Humanity J. B. Brown, B. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Advent of Jesus Joy Producing Faithful Witness. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Birth of Christ J. Saurin. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Birth of the Wonderful B. P. Grenoble. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Child Born: the Son Given J. Bannerman, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Child Divine W. Birch. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Child Hezekiah -- Yet Someone Else Sir E. Strachey, Bart. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Child Jesus W. Jay. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Everlasting Father F. Delitzsch. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Everlasting Father B. Blake, B. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Everlasting Father J. Edmond, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Good Time Coming P. B. Meyer, B. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Government on Christ's Shoulder T. Boston. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Government on Christ's Shoulder The Government Upon Christ's Shoulder E. Erskine. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Great Deliverer J. Parker, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Great Deliverer G. Innes. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Hope of Israel D. Davies. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Incarnation G. E. Watkins. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Joyful Quarter Sunday Magazine Isaiah 9:6-7 The Message of Hope Canon H. Scott-Holland. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Messianic Prophesies A. T. Pierson, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Nativity A. Littleton, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Nativity of Christ D. Wilson, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Need for the Incarnation Bishop Beveridge. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Nurses and Titles of the Messiah J. Ross, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Predicted Names of Christ J. Bannerman, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Preparation of the World for Christ J. B. Brown, B. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Prince of Peace W. Anderson, LL. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Prince of Peace C. Bradley, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Prince of Peace Josiah Mee. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Prince of Peace not Responsible for Strife and Violence B. W. Noel, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Prince of the Four Names Prof. G. A. Smith, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Prophet's Supernatural Prevision J. Parker, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Son Given The Way that Led to Christ Sunday School Chronicle Isaiah 9:6-7 The Wonderful Name T. Kelly. Isaiah 9:6-7 The World into Which Christ was Born J. B. Brown, B. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Titles of Christ E. Payson, D. D. Isaiah 9:6-7 Unto Us A. Maclennan, M. A. Isaiah 9:6-7 Who was Jesus Christ F. W. Aveling, M. A. , B. Sc. Isaiah 9:6-7 Christian Peace Conditional A. Plummer, M. A. Isaiah 9:7 Christ's Influence Ever Increasing Claiming and Reckoning F. B. Meyer, B. A. Isaiah 9:7 He Will Do It Sunday School Teacher. Isaiah 9:7 The Continuity of a Kingdom Founded on Righteousness R. Tuck Isaiah 9:7 The Empire is Peace F. B. Meyer B. A. Isaiah 9:7 The Government of the Prince of Peace R. Macculloch. Isaiah 9:7 The Increase of His Government E. Parsons. Isaiah 9:7 The Missionary Work T. Dale, M. A. Isaiah 9:7 The Zeal of the Lord Prof. G. A. Smith, D. D. Isaiah 9:7 DEVOTIONALS Wonderful! Listen to Selah's beautiful Wonderful, Merciful Savior - you won't regret it! His Name is Wonderful Read: Isaiah 9:1-7 His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6 When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Mt. 21:9). Later that same week, however, a mob called for His crucifixion (27:22). Few people recognized Him as the one Isaiah described as Wonderful (Isa. 9:6). If there is anyone who deserves that name, it is Jesus. He is wonderful in His deity and in His selfless love that led Him from the shining glories of heaven into the darkness of this sin-cursed world. He is wonderful in His virgin birth, wonderful in His overcoming, sinless life of service, wonderful in His teachings, wonderful in His vicarious death, wonderful in His astounding resurrection, and wonderful in His ascended glory. Someone has observed, “In Christ we have a love that can never be fathomed, a life that can never die, a peace that can never be understood, a rest that can never be disturbed, a joy that can never be diminished, a hope that can never be disappointed, a glory that can never be clouded, a light that can never be darkened, and a spiritual resource that can never be exhausted.” Do you love the Wonderful One? If you do, your life here will be full of wonder, and the life hereafter, bliss! —Henry G. Bosch (ODB Editor 1956-1981) Ponder the wonder of Jesus. Hallelujah! Read: Isaiah 9:1-7 I know that my Redeemer lives. —Job 19:25 Composer George Frideric Handel was bankrupt when in 1741 a group of Dublin charities offered him a commission to write a musical work. It was for a benefit performance to raise funds to free men from a debtors’ prison. He accepted that commission and gave himself tirelessly to work on it. In just 24 days, Handel composed the well-known masterpiece Messiah, which contains “The Hallelujah Chorus.” During that time, he never left his home and often went without eating. At one point, a servant found him weeping over his evolving score. Recounting his experience, Handel wrote, “Whether I was in my body or out of my body as I wrote it I know not. God knows.” Afterward he also said, “I did think I did see all heaven before me and the great God Himself.” “The Hallelujah Chorus” stirs my soul whenever I hear it, as I’m sure it does yours. But let’s be sure we do more than resonate to that magnificent music. Let’s open our hearts in faith and adoration for the Messiah promised in the book of Isaiah (Isa. 9:1-7). He has come to us in the person of Jesus Christ to be our Savior. “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder” (v.6). Beautiful Savior! Lord of the nations! Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, praise, adoration Now and forevermore be Thine! —Seiss (trans.) God’s highest Gift awakens our deepest gratitude. Christmas in Captivity Read: Isaiah 9:1–7 On those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 Rev. Martin Niemoller, a prominent German pastor, spent nearly eight years in Nazi concentration camps because he openly opposed Hitler. On Christmas Eve 1944, Niemoller spoke these words of hope to his fellow prisoners in Dachau: “My dear friends, on this Christmas . . . let us seek, in the Babe of Bethlehem, the One who came to us in order to bear with us everything that weighs heavily upon us. . . . God Himself has built a bridge from Himself to us! A dawn from on high has visited us!” At Christmas we embrace the good news that God, in Christ, has come to us wherever we are and has bridged the gap between us. He invades our prison of darkness with His light and lifts the load of sorrow, guilt, or loneliness that weighs us down. On those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 On that bleak Christmas Eve in prison, Niemoller shared this good news: “Out of the brilliance that surrounded the shepherds a shining ray will fall into our darkness.” His words remind us of the prophet Isaiah, who prophetically said, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isa. 9:2). No matter where today finds us, Jesus has penetrated our dark world with His joy and light! Lord Jesus, we find hope and strength in knowing that Your light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The joy of Christmas is Jesus. “Little Rajah, Little King” Read: Isaiah 9:1-7 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. —Isaiah 2:11 In an editorial printed in Reaper magazine, David G. Stewart wrote, “In India we used to chuckle about baby pujah, or baby worship. All the women would gather around the baby in arms, and cluck like broody hens with their approval, and note the supposed likeness to mom or dad, and hold the fingers, touch the cheek, kiss the feet. A favorite term to describe the young baby boy was ‘Little Rajah, Little King.’ Though they do not actually bow down and worship a new baby, those Indians give so much attention to a new infant that it’s no wonder they call it ‘baby worship.’” When Jesus was an infant, He too received adoration and honor. He was adored by shepherds who left their flocks in the fields to worship a baby in a manger. Why? Because He was the King of kings. I wonder, as this Christmas season progresses, are you able to focus your attention, even briefly, on the One whose birth we celebrate? Even more, are you willing to bow down in humility and give Him the adoration He rightly deserves? Isaiah prophesied long ago that His name would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (9:6). Jesus was no ordinary baby. He truly was the King of all kings! As you bring your gifts to His cradle And worship Him now as King, Do you bow your knees to His power? Is your life the offering you bring? —Brill When we recognize Jesus’ kingship, we will give Him our worship. Isn't He Beautiful! Play this beautiful chorus from the past - Isn't He Read: Isaiah 9:1-7 Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. —Isaiah 9:6 A group of children from our city were in a worship service, and we started to sing. Ariel, age 7, leaned close to me and softly said, “I love this song; it makes me cry.” The music and words about Jesus, her Savior, touched her heart: “Isn’t He beautiful? Beautiful, isn’t He? Prince of peace, Son of God, isn’t He?” Yes, the Lord Jesus is beautiful. We don’t find a specific reference in the Bible describing Him that way, but His personal character is strong yet gentle, holy yet forgiving, majestic yet humble—all combined. Simply beautiful! In his prophecy, Isaiah described Jesus and His coming in this way: “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor—giving us comfort and wisdom. The Mighty God—acting with power and authority. The Everlasting Father—providing for all our needs and protecting us. And the Prince of Peace—offering reconciliation with God and others. Isn’t Jesus beautiful! Worship Him. Beautiful Savior! Lord of the nations! Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, praise, adoration Now and forevermore be Thine! —Seiss Jesus is the image of the invisible God. —Colossians 1:15 Beautiful Savior, King of Creation, Son of God and Son of Man! Truly I'd love Thee, Truly I'd serve Thee, Light of my soul, my Joy, my Crown. No Other Name Play this old Don Moen chorus - No Other Name - It will make you want to pause and worship His glorious Name! Robin Mark's - Be Unto Your Name - Beautiful! Read: Isaiah 9:1-7 There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. —Acts 4:12+ The angel announced to Joseph, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Mt. 1:21). The name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew word Joshua, which is a contraction of two words, Jehovah and Hoshea, which means “God the Savior” or “Savior God.” This is His name. This is the name which is above every name, and the name of the only One who can save us. No one can take His place or approach God without Him. We respect the names of the patriarchs of the Bible and the godly men and women of more recent history, but everyone will one day bow before Jesus (Phil. 2:9-11). Even His own mother acknowledged her need of a Savior (Lk. 1:47+). Jesus alone is the mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5-6). Yes, we honor godly men and women of the Bible. And we give due respect to those who throughout history have faithfully lived for Christ and proclaimed the gospel. But we are not to worship them or pray to them. Jesus alone is the One whose name means “Savior.” He is the Son of God, of whom Isaiah proclaimed, “His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (9:6). My heart is stirred whene'er I think of Jesus, That blessed Name which sets the captive free; The only Name through which I find salvation; No name on earth has meant so much to me. —Eliason © 1950 Alfred B. Smith For time and eternity, Jesus is all we need. The Son Is Given Read: Luke 1:26-33 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. —Isaiah 9:6 One of my favorite portions of Handel’s Messiah is the joyous movement “For unto us a Child is born,” from the first part of the oratorio. I especially love how the chorus rises to the phrase, “Unto us a Son is given.” Those words, of course, are taken from Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.” Handel’s majestic music soars with adoration for the Son who came to us in human flesh that first Christmas. The New Testament clarifies even further who this Son is. In Luke 1, the angelic messenger appeared to Mary and identified the Christ-child in four ways. He would be the son of Mary, making Him fully human (1:31). He would be the Son of the Highest, which made Him fully divine (1:32). He would also be the Son of David, giving Him royal lineage (1:32). And He would bear the title of Son of God (1:35), giving Him equality with the Father in all things. All of the roles the Messiah was called to fill are made possible in these distinct expressions of His Sonship. As we worship Him this Christmas, may our celebrations be filled with joy and wonder at the fullness of what it means. Our heavenly Father has given us His perfect, sufficient Son. O come, let us adore Him! Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. —Wade God’s love became incarnate at Bethlehem. The Big News Read: Isaiah 9:1-7 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. —Isaiah 9:6 In December 1903, after many attempts, the Wright brothers were successful in getting their “flying machine” off the ground. Thrilled, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: “We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas.” Katherine hurried to the editor of the local newspaper and showed him the message. He glanced at it and said, “How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas.” He totally missed the big news-man had flown! Many people today make a similar mistake when they hear the word Christmas. They don’t think of Jesus and His miraculous birth. Instead, they think of family gatherings, festive meals, decorations, and gifts. To them, Christmas brings nostalgia and memories of childhood. Now, all this celebration isn’t wrong. But if that’s all that Christmas means to us, we are missing its true significance. The real meaning of this special day is summed up in the words of the angel to the shepherds on that night long ago: “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). That’s the big news of Christmas! One day has left its mark in time For all mankind to see; It is the day when Christ was born- That day made history. -D. De Haan Don't celebrate Christmas without inviting the Guest of honor. A Promised Gift Read: Isaiah 9:1-7 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. —Isaiah 9:6 I read several years ago about a woman who hurriedly purchased 50 Christmas cards without looking at the message inside. She quickly signed and addressed all but one, and then dropped them in a mailbox. Just imagine her dismay when later she glanced inside the one unmailed card and read these words: This card is just to say A little gift is on the way. No doubt there were 49 people wondering what happened to their presents. How different was God’s promise to us! Many years before the Savior was born, the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah, saying, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). And in verse 6 of chapter 9 we read, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.” Did God keep His word? Indeed He did! Galatians 4:4 states, “When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son.” On this special day, as we commemorate the birth of Christ, let’s thank God that He meant what He said. He not only promised, but He also gave. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). On Christmas morning long ago Into this world of sin and woe The blessed Savior came; God's wondrous gift of love was He, God's gift to lost humanity— O glory to His name! —Staples No gift is more needed by a dying world than a living Savior. Pax Romana (Wikipedia) Read: Isaiah 9:1-7 To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:6 No one can afford the price of war. One website reports 64 nations are currently involved in armed conflicts. When and how will they end? We want peace, but not at the expense of justice. Jesus was born during a time of “peace,” but it came at the cost of heavy-handed oppression. The Pax Romana (“Roman Peace”) existed only because Rome squashed all dissent. Seven centuries before that time of relative peace, hostile armies prepared to invade Jerusalem. From the shadow of war, God made a remarkable pronouncement. “On those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned,” the prophet declared (Isa. 9:2). “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given . . . . Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end” (vv. 6-7). Matthew tells us that Isaiah’s prophecy found fulfillment in the Christ-child (Matt. 1:22-23; see also Isa. 7:14). We adore the tiny baby in the manger scene. Yet that helpless babe is also the Lord Almighty, “the Lord of Heaven’s Armies” (Isa. 13:13 nlt). He will one day “reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness” (9:7). Such a regime will be no oppressive Pax Romana. It will be the reign of the Prince of Peace. Father, we can never sufficiently thank You that Your Son came to bring us peace with You through His death and resurrection. Thank You that He will rule in both peace and righteousness. The Lamb of God is also the Lion of Judah. By Tim Gustafson HIS NAME IS WONDERFUL Words and Music by Audrey Mieir, 1916– 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, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 KJV) More than 2,500 years ago, the prophet Isaiah told of One who would be the hope of mankind, the long awaited Messiah who would establish an eternal kingdom based on justice and righteousness. Isaiah’s important pronouncement told that this one would be a God-man: a child born—His humanity; a son given—His deity. The quintuplet of names ascribed to this One gives further insight into His character and ministry: • Wonderful—He would be wonderful in what He would accomplish for the fallen human race. • Counselor—He would be our guide through life, and our advocate before the heavenly Father. • The Mighty God—He would be the God before whom every knee shall one day bow. • The Everlasting Father—He would be the God of eternity. • The Prince of Peace—He would be the one who would ultimately bring a true tranquility among all nations. Audrey Mieir has been widely known for several decades as the composer and author of many fine gospel songs and choruses. “His Name Is Wonderful,” written in 1959, is one of her finest. She tells in her biography how the inspiration for this song occurred while she watched the annual Christmas program given at her Bethel Union Church in Duarte, California. After the usual procession of angels, shepherds, Mary and Joseph, the singing of “sleep in heavenly peace,” the pastor of the church suddenly exclaimed—“His Name Is Wonderful.” Audrey Mieir tells that she quickly grabbed her Bible, searched the concordance for names given to Jesus in the Scriptures, and soon composed this song, which has since been sung around the world: His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord; He is the mighty King, Master of ev’rything; His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord; He’s the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages, Almighty God is He; Bow down before Him, love and adore Him; His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord. For Today: Psalm 72:19; Proverbs 18:10; 22:1; John 1:12; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9,10. The more intimately we know the “child-Son,” the deeper grows our love and devotion for Him. Worship Him even now and throughout the day with the singing of this song— (Kenneth Osbeck - Amazing Grace) Isaiah 9:8 The Lord sends a message against Jacob, and it falls on Israel.: Message: Isa 7:7,8 8:4-8 Mic 1:1-9 Zec 1:6 5:1-4 Mt 24:35 Isaiah 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A MESSAGE TO THE NORTHERN KINGDOM Isaiah 9:8-10:4 This verse begins a new section addressed to the Northern Kingdom (also known as Jacob, Israel, Ephraim) which continues through the next chapter (Isaiah 10:4) and is divided into 4 subsections (Isa 9:8-12, 13-17, 18-21, 10:1-4) each ending with the same refrain… In spite of all this His anger does not turn away, And His hand is still stretched out. (Isaiah 9:12, 17, 21, 10:4) Alexander introduces this next section… Having repeatedly interchanged the three great subjects of this prophecy (1) the deliverance of Judah from the power of Syria and Israel, (2) its subsequent punishment by means of the Assyrians and (3) the reign of the Messiah, for Whose sake the kingdom was to be preserved, the prophet Isaiah passes here abruptly from the last to the first, and again predicts the punishment of Ephraim. He reverts to this event, which had already been repeatedly foretold, for the purpose of declaring that the blows would be repeated as often and as long as might be needed for the absolute fulfillment of God's threatenings. He begins by showing that Israel had already been forewarned. (The Prophecies of Isaiah)