For Unto Us a Child is Born

"For to us a child is born, to 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. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this." (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV)

Returning to Isaiah's magnificent prophecy, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores the fourfold title given to the coming Messiah. These descriptive names reveal the comprehensive sufficiency of Christ to address humanity's deepest needs.

Lloyd-Jones observes that "Wonderful Counselor" speaks to Christ's wisdom. In a world of competing philosophies and contradictory advice, Jesus provides perfectly reliable guidance. His counsel proves wonderful because it transcends human wisdom, addressing not merely temporal concerns but eternal realities. Where human counselors offer techniques for managing problems, Christ transforms the human heart from which problems emerge.

The title "Mighty God" affirms Christ's divine power. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this directly contradicts any view of Jesus as merely an exemplary human. Isaiah explicitly identifies the child born as God Himself. The baby in the manger possesses all divine attributes, including omnipotence. His might ensures that His purposes cannot be thwarted and His promises cannot fail.

"Everlasting Father" speaks to Christ's eternal nature and paternal care. Lloyd-Jones notes that this doesn't confuse the persons of the Trinity but reveals that Christ shares the Father's nature and exercises fatherly care toward His people. Unlike earthly fathers who eventually pass away, Christ's fatherly protection extends eternally.

The title "Prince of Peace" identifies Christ's ultimate gift to humanity. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that genuine peace has three dimensions: peace with God (through justification), peace with oneself (through sanctification), and peace with others (through reconciliation). Christ establishes all three, beginning with the fundamental reconciliation between God and humanity that makes all other peace possible.

Together, these titles assure us that Christ lacks nothing necessary to address our deepest needs. He offers wisdom for our confusion, power for our weakness, care for our vulnerability, and peace for our conflict—not partially or temporarily but completely and eternally.

This Christmas, rejoice that the child born in Bethlehem is the comprehensive answer to humanity's complex problems. The simplicity of His birth belies the profundity of His person. The humility of the manger contrasts with the majesty of His titles. The obscurity of His arrival conceals the universality of His mission. A child born, a son given—our complete salvation.