Unto Us A Child Is Born

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: In 1962, missionaries Don and Carol Richardson encountered the Sawi people of New Guinea, a tribe still practicing head-hunting and cannibalism. Amidst cultural clashes, the Richardsons faced considerable challenges, including witnessing 14 tribal conflicts right outside their doorstep. Just as they planned to leave due to these difficulties, the Sawi made an unexpected plea, promising peace if the missionaries stayed.

The following day, in an extraordinary scene, the Sawi demonstrated their commitment by performing a peace ritual where individuals from opposing tribes exchanged their newborn sons as a guarantee of peace, a tradition that ensured tranquility as long as the exchanged children lived. Inspired by this profound act, Don Richardson found the perfect analogy to introduce the Christian concept of Jesus as the ultimate Peace Child. This revelation led to a significant number of Sawi converting to Christianity.

Several years later, on Christmas day, hundreds of Sawi from every tribe - tribes that had warred and cannibalized each other for many years - gathered together for a feast for the first time. A Sawi preacher stood up and read in his own language a scripture that few people in the history of the world have ever understood so clearly: "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders, and He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Later, the Richardsons wrote that it was the best Christmas they had ever experienced. It was the best day the Sawi had ever known.

INTRODUCTION: As we enter the season of Christmas, Isaiah 9:6 beckons us to pause and reflect on the true meaning of why we celebrate—the Good News of Jesus Christ, the promised fulfillment of this prophecy. Nearly 700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah proclaimed a message of hope that we still hold tightly to today, a truth that shapes not only our holiday season but every moment of our lives.

At a time when the people of Israel were struggling in darkness—facing uncertainty, fear, and the weight of sin—these words of Isaiah pierced through the gloom, offering the promise of light and salvation. Isaiah’s words were not only a reminder that God had not forgotten His people, but also an affirmation of God's faithfulness to His promises. For this Child, this Son who was prophesied, would bring liberation, transformation, and eternal peace.

Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us that Christmas is not just about looking back to the quiet night in Bethlehem—it’s about acknowledging that the Savior born into a manger reigns today and forevermore. This miraculous child, Jesus, has changed everything.

WHAT DOES ISAIAH’S PROPHECY “UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN” MEAN TO US TODAY?

1. GOD’S GIFT: “UNTO US”

Notice the personal nature of Isaiah’s words. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” This is more than a description of the birth of a baby; it is a declaration of hope to a weary and despairing people. This wasn’t a generic promise; it was specific, intimate, and uncontainable. Jesus’ coming wasn’t just for one nation, group, or generation—it was for all of humanity. Unto us He was given, revealing the immeasurable love of God, who chose to redeem the world by sending His Son as a gift to us.

For the Israelites, this promise came at a time of turmoil. The nation had experienced war, oppression, and spiritual darkness, longing for a deliverer to bring peace and restoration. Isaiah’s words reminded them that God had not forgotten His covenant and that salvation was coming—not through the might of armies, but through the humility of a child.

God’s plan involved sending His Son, born into humanity, as the solution for sin and brokenness. This is the miracle of Christmas: that God Himself entered into the fragile reality of human existence in order to redeem it forever.

2. HIS NAMES: WHO JESUS IS FOR US

Isaiah lists the names of this promised child, each revealing an aspect of Christ’s character.

(i) WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

• What a relief to know that Jesus is our guide! In the busyness and chaos of life, He understands our struggles and offers a wisdom that surpasses human understanding. In Him, we find guidance in times of trouble and confusion. This Christmas, we are reminded to lean on Jesus for counsel—not only as the source of direction but also as the One who cares deeply for us and speaks wisdom into our lives. When the world feels overwhelming, turn to Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor. His guidance brings clarity and peace.

(ii) MIGHTY GOD

• Though born as a fragile baby, Jesus was fully God, full of power and authority. Even as an infant, His coming signaled victory over sin, death, and darkness. This Christmas, take comfort in knowing that Jesus, your Savior, is mighty to save—no situation or trial can surpass His strength or sovereignty. This Christmas, rejoice that the Mighty God is on your side. No trial is beyond His strength, and no circumstance is outside His control.