The Weekly Epistle 12/23/20

Hi EBC Family,
We all love birth announcements.  And with social media birth announcements can be posted within minutes after the arrival of the child.  But there was one birth announcement that was earlier than that.  I mean, it was really early.  It was sent before the birth, like 700 years prior.  
 
Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he 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.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”  
 
No earthly king could fit the description here in these verses.  In verse 7 it says of this king that “there will be no end.”  This prophecy must go beyond any king in that day or any other human king to come.  This baby has four different names each telling us what he will do.  
 
The one born will be called Wonderful Counselor.  More accurately, it should be translated, “The wonder of a counselor.”  The first word, wonder qualifies the second word, counselor.  He will also be called, the Mighty God.  It is one thing to have wise counsel from someone, but that person may not be able to do anything about your problem.  It is another matter completely to find the wonder of a counselor who is also competent and capable to do something about your situation. 
 
He is the Everlasting Father.  This title might be a little confusing at first pass.  We don’t often refer to the second person of the triune God as Father.  Some background here might help.  In ancient near east, a ruler or king was often viewed as a father to his people.  It suggested protection.  In the same way, this child, the Lord Jesus would be the people’s protector.  He would care for his people.  Everlasting speaks more to his continue care that never comes to an end rather than a reference to his eternal being.  It isn’t a temporal rule or care, but permanent.  
 
Lastly, he is called the Prince of Peace.  Does peace describe our time?  As you look into the eyes of people you pass each day, do you see peacefulness?  Take time to meditate on these words this Christmas season.  
 
Don’t forget to join us for our Christmas Eve celebration this Thursday night @ 6:00 by remote.  Also, don’t forget our change to one service, beginning this Sunday at 10:45.  We are doing this on a temporary basis, due to the ever-changing Covid landscape and its impact on our in-person numbers right now.  
 
Church, stay encouraged!  Jesus is the wonder of a counselor who can guide us with the wisdom of God.  He is the mighty God who has the power to break those chains weighing us down through life.  He is the father who cares for us with a love that never ends.  He is the Prince of peace whose peace transcends our circumstances and conflict.  
 
Praise the one born king who was nailed to the cross, rose from the dead, and reigns forever!  
 
Blessings to you, church!  Pastor Brian