For Unto Us

This is the first devotional of a four-part Advent series posted each Friday over the month of December. Each post will follow a progression of the Christmas story and incorporate a Christmas carol. May each devotional be a time for you to reflect upon the wonder and joy that surround the birth of Jesus.

For Unto Us

It was December 27, 2000, and the day was nearing to a close.  Unable to see my toes over my pregnant belly, I hauled myself off the couch and headed for the steps to go upstairs. As I began to climb the staircase, which felt like a trek to base camp of Mount Everest, I said to myself, “Will this child ever arrive?” Funny thing, I didn’t have to wait much longer because just as I climbed into bed, my water broke. Finally, after many years of infertility my waiting was coming to an end and by the next afternoon, I held my first-born child in my arms.

Whether it’s years, months or minutes, we are all familiar with the struggle that accompanies waiting. Our patience can grow short while our hope grows thin. We think to ourselves, “When will the waiting come to an end?”

Toward the latter part of the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was living in dark and difficult times. Fear struck their hearts as their enemies were about to take them into Babylonian captivity. God saw their struggles and longed to draw His people to Himself. So, from the heart of God, through the lips of Isaiah, the prophet spoke these words,

“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

“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, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

These were hope filled words pregnant with expectation. When would this child arrive?  How long would they need to wait to be rescued from their oppressors and finally be ruled by the One called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace?  Truth be told, about 700 years (now, that is a long wait!). Then one night, in a little town called Bethlehem, the waiting finally came to an end.

As Christmas approaches, a familiar carol has found its way onto my playlist and the lyrics stay in my head for days.

…For unto us a child is born
Unto us (unto us) a Son is given (a Son is given)

And the government shall be on His shoulders
And His name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor
The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father
The Prince of Peace…

These well-known lyrics, written by Handel, describe the Messiah to come. Jesus Christ would embody each of these titles.  As our Wonderful Counselor, He would be a source of extraordinary wisdom, for those who need direction. As our Mighty God, He would be a source of divine strength. As our Everlasting Father, He would be near to those who felt unloved and forsaken. As the Prince of Peace, He would bring a deep sense of peace to our hearts and minds. This Messiah was worth the wait.

These names of God, and the character traits they describe about Jesus, are available to us right now.  We do not need to wait. Which of them do you need to remember most today? Take a few minutes to listen to the Christmas carol, For Unto Us A Child Is Born, and reflect upon the long-awaited Messiah’s predicted birth. Pause and think about each name and ask God to be your focus this month (and every month) and allow all other things to fade into the distance. 

Prayer

Lord, the Nation of Israel waited for your birth with expectation and hope. Thank you for keeping your promise and coming to earth to be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Please be my focus this month amid all the distractions and busyness. May each of these names become a personal reality in my own life. I trust You to be my ________________ (fill in the name you need Him to be most to you right now). In Jesus name, amen.