Many will attend a Christmas Eve service this evening. But how many pay close attention to the Scriptures that are read? How many will make note and read them again? How many will catch the nuances of those passages? How many will ask questions to better understand?
There are many things in the Scriptures, little nuances, cultural references that we miss when we read or hear the Christmas story. One of the favorites that will be read today is Isaiah 9:6. It is one that is often posted on social media to point out God’s plan for Jesus come into the world.
Isaiah prophesied more than seven-hundred years before Jesus was born. The first thing this tells us is God had planned to come into this world long before Jesus came. God knew there was no other way to reconcile the human race with him. The Father had to send the Son. The Son knew He had to come.
Perhaps one of the most important nuances we miss in today’s passage is Isaiah’s reference to God as one and referencing all three personhoods. He references God as one when he says he will be called Mighty God. We sometimes say Almighty God, which is means the same. But notice how he goes on to reference all three personhoods:
The Father = Everlasting Father
The Son = Prince of Peace
Holy Spirit = Wonderful Counselor.
Isaiah states authority rests upon his shoulders. Jesus displayed His authority while carrying out His teachings and performing miracles. He also spoke of His authority when He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). He said this as He was sending His disciples out with what we call the great commission.
I pray we all pay close attention as Scripture is read. I pray we take time to read them again. I pray each one of us will seek to catch the nuances in Scripture and better understand God’s plan. Pay close attention. See the nuances. Seek to better understand. Know God has a plan.
Isaiah 9:6
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.
Marty Pressey 