Wednesday, December 4, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
Isaiah 9:2, 6–7

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness —
on them light has shined. ...
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (NRSV)

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Reflection

Seven hundred years before Jesus’ birth, in Isaiah's time, people were facing oppression. They were also in the dark spiritually, seeking answers and solutions from mediums rather than from God. These people needed help and hope, and Isaiah provided this through his prophecy of the coming of a great light — Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

There are a lot of names given to Jesus in the Bible: the Good Shepherd, Lamb of God, the Alpha and Omega, the Bread of Life. Isaiah’s four names for this coming light evoke knowledge, strength, comfort, and hope. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

A good counselor listens to us with an ear toward understanding and empathy, without judgment, offering guidance for what ails us. Isaiah promises the people a Wonderful Counselor to lead us.

For people feeling oppressed and powerless, Isaiah promises a Mighty God, a divine ruler who will lend us strength to overcome obstacles in our way.

In Isaiah’s time, “father” could refer to a dad, an ancestor, or an elder, all of whom offer care and protection. Isaiah’s Everlasting Father will be our ultimate protector, loving and caring for his children.

Isaiah names this light, this coming infant, the Prince of Peace. This is not only the “peace on earth” trumpeted by angels upon Jesus’ birth, it is the promise of peace within. When we seek our Wonderful Counselor and Everlasting Father and follow the guidance provided, we are filled with an inner peace.

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Prayer
Gracious and loving God, thank you for the gift of Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. God, help me truly embrace the guidance you provide and lead me to inner peace. Help me to be an instrument of your peace in the world. Amen.

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Written by Sarah Younger, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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