Unto Us a Child is Born
by Margaret Silvester
Having been to different carol services leading up to Christmas, varying from small children singing carols to the grandeur of the Christmas story in a cathedral, I’ve been moved in a new way as the Old Testament prophecies of the coming of Jesus have been read, and their vital truth proclaimed in singing and drama. These prophecies, without exception, concentrate on His person and every name given to Him expresses His character and nature.
Our text for today, written over 600 years before the birth of our Saviour, is no exception. Every name has a profound meaning and a message for our hearts this Christmas time.
His name shall be called Wonderful. The word means supernatural, miraculous. He’s truly wonderful! He came as a baby conceived by the Holy Spirit. He was laid in a manger, died on a cross, broke the power of death and I’m included in the myriads to whom He’s given life.
His name shall be called Counsellor, because He gives counsel and wisdom those who believe in Him. As I open my heart to Him, the closer He comes alongside me to guide and to shed light upon my way. His light shines into my darkness.
His name shall be called Mighty God, because He us all-powerful, mighty and strong. Everything is under His control, therefore, whatever may be my circumstances this Christmas time they’re known to Him and He asks me to trust His wisdom. I’m safe under His protection.
His name shall be called Everlasting Father, because He’s eternal, without beginning or end. In every respect He’s one with the Father, who is from everlasting to everlasting. He leads us to the Father’s heart. The baby in the manger reveals the Father Heart of God to those with eyes to see Him.
He’s the Prince of Peace. Through Him we have peace with God and the peace of God in our hearts. At His birth the angels proclaimed peace on earth through Him. Just before He went to the cross He left a parting gift - peace of heart and mind to those in whose hearts He reigns. It a gift independent of circumstances, and given to those who choose to surrender their lives, their all to Him.
‘And the government shall be upon His shoulders’, because He’s Lord, and one with the Father, the government of the whole world rests on His shoulders. There’s nothing outside of His control. This Christmas time, the One who has the government of the world on His shoulders wants to carry the government of your life on His shoulders. Everything that concerns you is His concern and He desires to bear the burden of it as you trust Him and obey Him as Lord.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Please give me a fresh revelation of who Jesus is and the wonder of Your indescribable Gift. During this Christmas time may I reflect on Jesus and be drawn closer to Him. Whatever my circumstances I ask for grace to trust You to fulfil Your purpose in and through my life. Amen.
Margaret Silvester had a career as a teacher prior to being called into full time Christian Ministry with her husband, David, in 1986. They were involved in establishing a Healing Ministry in the local church and Margaret has a passion to see lost and wounded people found and restored. She and her husband joined the Ellel Ministries teaching and ministry team in 2000 after a clear call from God. Margaret`s book "Stepping Stones to the Father Heart of God" has recently been published.
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