Jesus came as a special child and Saviour
Isaiah 9:6-7 “For to 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. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
Extra Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7
In Africa the birth of a child is a special occasion and is celebrated for a long period of time. People in the neighbourhood bring a variety of gifts to the home of the new born baby. The father and mother also receive their own personal gifts. But the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ was without all the razzmatazz of the world. It was foretold often in the Old Testament. He was to be of the House of David; justice and righteousness never ending would be established on His coming. This was not universally accepted; there were many unbelievers when Jesus was born, who remained unbelievers throughout His life. Isaiah 7,8, and 9n are united around the common theme of an expected special child. In Isaiah 7, the foolish King Ahaz of Judah refuses to trust in God for deliverance from the powerful Israelite-Syrian alliance against him, even though God. God offered him a sign anyway-a young woman (NIV, “virgin”) will give birth to a child called Immanuel (“God with us)”. Before the baby is very old, the alliance against Ahaz will be defeated. However, because of Ahaz’s unbelief, this sign will also foreshadow judgment (7:10-25).
An actual child (the son of Isaiah) is born in Isaiah 8, in apparent partial fulfillment of the Isaiah 7 prophecy. In Isaiah 9, however, indicates that there are spectacular characteristics about the coming child that will be fulfilled only in the future through the Messiah. In 9:6-7 the prophet connects the coming child to the messianic promise of a coming great Davidic king. Yet Isaiah’s description of this child moves even beyond that of a mere human king, for he calls Him “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The Messiah is the One foretold in Scripture. There is no Christmas without Christ. From verses 6-7 God allows us to have a glimpse of what the arrival of the Messiah, Christ, will mean. The Messiah will be born a child. That is, He is human. Now, let’s have a look at the meaning of the names Isaiah gives to Jesus:
-Wonderful Counselor: He is a wonderful divine counselor.
-Mighty God: This indicates that the Lord is a powerful Warrior (10:21). He is all-powerful.
-Everlasting Father: This describes a King and Father who provides for and protects His people forever. He is timeless; He is God our Father.
-Prince of Peace: The Child is the true Prince-the One who has the right to reign and who will usher in peace. Jesus is God who became man.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you came as the Prince of Peace. In your name we pray, Amen!
Rev. Samuel N. Modise 
