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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isa. 9:6-7
Dear Lord Jesus, there aren’t “Christmas verses” that are the private domain of Advent. There’s just you, and your glory, and your magnificent story of redemption and restoration. Today, on this hot August morning, I’m glad to remember—I need to remember, why you came and what you’re up to right now, especially in light of the current “messes” in our global community.
Lord Jesus, the government of the entire cosmos is already sitting squarely upon your shoulders. Nothing happens apart from your sovereign doings and delight. I don’t have to be vexed over nuclear-armed terrorists in Iraq or Iran, any more than I have to be defined by a lousy golf game. It may not be apparent to my naked eye, but everything is subject to you. You are before all things, and in you all things are held together (Col. 1:17). Everything in heaven and on earth is being summed up in you (Eph. 1:10).
You are Wonderful Counselor—that is, our wisdom from God, our righteous, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30). There is no salvation apart from you. It’s the gospel or despair. You are Mighty God—eternally one with the Father, co-equal, co-glorious—along with God the Holy Spirit. There’s nothing you can’t do. You never “try” to do anything. You simply execute your pleasure at your discretion.
You are Everlasting Father—the Son who perfectly reveals the Father’s image and riches to us. It’s because of you, Jesus that we’ve been adopted into God’s family, and have been given all the rights and delights of the children of God. You are Prince of Peace—by your life and death, you made peace between God and us. You yourself are our peace, Jesus; you destroyed the hostile barrier that stood between us (Eph. 2:14-15).
Right now, on this early August morning, you are extending your glorious kingdom of peace. You are “shaloming” all things, making all things new, putting all things right. Justice and righteousness are coming to every place where sin and death have done their worst. All of this is happening because you are the zealous Lord, jealous for his bride, who accomplishes everything he has promised. Suddenly I feel like putting on some Christmas CDs, Jesus! So very Amen I pray, in your peerless and powerful name.
