For to us a Child is born,

to us a Son is given;

  and the government shall be upon His shoulder,

and His Name shall be called

  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

                Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and of peace

                there will be no end,

  on the throne of David and over His kingdom,

  to establish it and to uphold it

                with justice and with righteousness

                from this time forth and forevermore.

  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isa 9:6-7 ESV

Each year at Christmas, we celebrate the birth of the infant Jesus.  His birth signifies God’s love for us and His mercy.  The birth of Jesus tells us that God loves us enough to want to be with us, even though we have not demonstrated much desire to be with Him. 

The birth of Jesus also opens the way for God to pour out His grace and mercy on us.  By becoming one with us, the Son of God could open a way for us to become God’s dearly loved children. 

What we sometimes forget is that there is more to Jesus than a Baby in a manger.  The old carol, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly – for those of you who remember that carol – also includes the line, “Christ the Babe is Lord of all.” 

God did send us His Son.  He came as a Baby, but He was not only a Baby.  He is the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.  The government truly is on His shoulders, and his rule and reign will never end. 

As you celebrate the coming of the Baby in the manger, do you also know Him as your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace?  Do you know Him as the King of kings, and Lord of lords?  Have you allowed His rule and reign to extend over you?