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 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, knowing that it’s possible to “do Christmas” and miss Advent, today I want to fill my heart, as full as possible, with you. Isaiah’s words fuel my worship and shrink my worries. Pondering these promises brings me, yet again, to gospel sanity.
Knowing the government of the whole world already rests on your shoulders fills me with a joy second only to knowing your shoulders fully bore the sin of the world, including mine. As this day begins, I gladly surrender to your reign of grace.
You are Wonderful Counselor—our righteousness, holiness and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30). In you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). I look to you for knowledge of great mysteries, but also for wisdom about handling fresh disappointments, old hurts, and unfulfilled longings. You care so tenderly for your lambs.
You are Mighty God, creator and sustainer of the entire universe—the One for whom all things have been made and in whom all things are being summed up (Eph. 1:10).
Lord Jesus, to see you is to see the Father, and to know you is to know the Father; in this sense you are Everlasting Father. We would never be able to cry, “Abba Father,” if you had not first cried, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
Indeed, you paid the price of our peace, and thus alone deserve the title Prince of Peace. Thank you for the limitless riches of your reconciling grace and redeeming love. Thank you for destroying hostilities, and for securing the Day of no more broken relationships, racism, or war of any kind. I long for the fullness of your peace, in my heart and in our world.
For your broad shoulders, big heart, and coming kingdom, I honor, praise and adore you, O blessed Messiah and Redeemer. So very Amen I pray, Lord Jesus, in your mighty and merciful name.