12/22/2022
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. Isaiah 9:6-7a (NIV)
One of the most beloved and quoted Christmas verses from the prophet Isaiah is renown for its inclusion as a chorus in Handel’s Messiah Symphony. The words beautifully portray the message of the Messiah being given to mankind from God and the benevolent attributes of His nature by which He will rule His Kingdom.
As with many prophetic signs given in the Old Testament, the phrase a “child born and Son given” points to the First Advent of Christ who was born in Bethlehem to the virgin Mary reflecting the humanity of the Messiah. His divine nature resonates as the Son who was given by the Father to Redeem humanity from their sin.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
While the “child born and Son given” promise was fulfilled by Jesus Christ at His first earthly appearing, the remaining portion of Isaiah 9:6-7 verses illuminate another time in history future when He will physically satisfy what can be referred to as the Kingdom verses. Surprisingly to many, those Kingdom verses beckon the Second Coming of Jesus Christ when He returns at the end of the event known as the Tribulation. He will then take possession of the Earth and rule as Lord and King in the 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom.
The prophet Daniel in a vision foresaw the day when the Messiah would establish His Kingdom upon the Earth and rule the nations therefore bearing the weight of governing upon His shoulders. Also see (Jeremiah 23:5-6).
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14 (NIV)
The saints of the Old Testament patiently waited for the Messiah as they yearned for the justice and righteousness He would afford as the One called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. In the fullness of time, God fulfilled His promises that First Advent but just not in the character and manner those longing believers expected. Jesus Christ first needed to make a way for man’s sin debt to be forgiven by means of the cross before a righteous Kingdom could be established.
Here we are 2,000 years later and as Christians have been given the promises and prophesies of the Messiah’s Second Advent in the Holy Scriptures. When that day comes to pass, Jesus Christ will be a ruler unlike our imperfect, human leaders who so easily fail us. He will rule the nations as the perfect King with absolute righteousness, love and understanding fulfilling the Kingdom verses of Isaiah 9 as well as a multitude of other Biblical prophesies. And we who belong to Christ by faith will be part of the first resurrection and reign with Him in that Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20:6).
As the promises of the First Advent that came to pass were sure and irrevocable so shall the assurance of the Second Advent come upon the Earth in God’s appointed time. On that day, the redeemed in Christ shall celebrate that “Christmas Future” with the One they shall adore as the Prince of Peace and their Mighty God. And of His government and peace there shall be no end.
Jesus Christ declares: “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. Revelation 22:12-17 (NLT)
Here is the link to the full Handel’s Messiah Symphony by the American Bach Soloists
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