“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end.”
– Isaiah 9:6-7
The prophet Isaiah declared these promises of God’s rescue plan for man centuries before Christ’s arrival: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).
With Jesus’ birth, God chose to dwell among His people, wrapping Himself in flesh so that we might know His heart, His character, and His unfailing love. This love that was spoken of in John 3:16 became visible as Jesus became our atonement by dying on the cross as a sacrifice for our sin. When Jesus rose from the grave, having overcome death we were given a living hope by grace through our faith and new birth in Him, receiving an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade (1 Pet 1:3-4).
When the angels announced Jesus’ birth, they declared:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests”
– Luke 2:14
Jesus is the Prince of Peace, calming storms, healing hearts, and reconciling humanity back to God. The angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This joy is not fleeting and dependent on circumstances; but it is anchored in God’s unchanging presence, His love and faithfulness. Even in difficult moments, the joy of the Lord becomes our strength.
As we celebrate the gift and birth of Jesus Christ this month, may we continue to encourage each other in the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 15:13:
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
