Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. It's always a joy to gather with you, to share in the warmth of fellowship, the strength of community, and the nourishment of God's Word. Today, we're going to spend some time with a passage that is very dear to my heart, and I hope, by the end of our time together, it will have found a special place in yours as well.

The passage is Isaiah 9:6, a verse that carries with it the weight of prophecy and the lightness of hope. It says, "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."

Heaven's Gift to Humanity

In the heart of this scripture, we find a promise. A promise of a child born to us, a son given to us. This is no ordinary child, no ordinary son. This is a divine gift, a heavenly offering. The birth of this child signifies the tangible manifestation of God's love for humanity. It is God reaching out to us, not in anger or judgment, but in love and grace. It is God saying, "I am here. I am with you. I am for you."

This child, this son, carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. The scripture tells us that the government will be upon his shoulders. This is not a political statement, but a spiritual one. It speaks of authority, of leadership, of responsibility. This child, this son, is destined to rule, to lead, to guide. But his rule is not one of tyranny or oppression. His rule is one of love, of justice, of peace.

The scripture also tells us that this child, this son, will be called Wonderful Counselor. A counselor is someone who listens, advises, and guides. This child, this son, is not only a ruler but also a counselor. He is not only a leader but also a listener.

This child, this son, is also called Mighty God. His power is one of love, of grace, of mercy. He upholds the universe by the Word of His power. He causes the sun to shine upon the wicked and the righteous!

This child, this son, is also called Everlasting Father. This speaks of eternity, of permanence, of unchanging love. A father is someone who loves, who cares, who protects. This child, this son, is not only a counselor and a mighty God but also a father. He is not only a friend and a leader, but also a protector. He is not only a king and a ruler, but also a loving parent.

Finally, this child, this son, is called Prince of Peace. A prince is someone who rules, who leads, who governs. But this prince is not one of war or conflict. This prince is one of peace, of reconciliation, of unity. He is a prince who brings peace, not through force or coercion, but through love and forgiveness.

His Love, Healing, Salvation, and Forgiveness

In the midst of our human frailty and the brokenness of our world, we find a beacon of hope in the love of God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO