“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.”
Isaiah 9:6-7
The birth of a special child was a sign first to Isaiah and his wife, and through them to the evil king, Ahaz.
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted.”
Isaiah 7:14-16
Invaders were threatening King Ahaz from the north, from Syria. But he refused to ask the Lord for protection and guidance. Still, the Lord spoke through Isaiah and gave a sign in the form of a child who would represent the presence and provision of God.
“And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, ‘Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz; for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.’”
Isaiah 8:3-4
This was often how prophecy worked in the Old Testament: the prophet was given an immediate fulfillment that pointed ahead to a greater fulfillment. In this case, Isaiah’s son, “Quick to the plunder – swift to the spoil” was the immediate fulfillment within just a couple of years of this promise of deliverance. But the greater fulfillment would be in a child called “Immanuel.” That child would not just bring deliverance from a single military threat, he would bring peace to the whole world, reigning on David’s throne, “to establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.”
We know that when Jesus comes back His justice will be perfect and comprehensive. But since His first coming He has been reigning, spreading justice and peace, love and joy – through the church. Jesus is, right now, the Prince of Peace – and we are His ambassadors.
This is what our series The One Story, is all about. This is why it fits with the season of Advent. We are celebrating the turning point of history and the climax of the story of God. And Christmas reminds us that it was a massive twist! The Jews expected a Davidic King leading vast armies to military conquest. Instead Jesus was born in a quiet stable with no royal fanfare, and he would later die on a Roman cross in apparent shame and defeat. Yet his humble arrival and his sacrificial death were not failures but victories – signs of God’s glorious presence and overflowing love.
So Christmas and Easter not only give us great moments in God’s Story to remember and celebrate, they give us very clear direction for our own lives. As followers of Jesus our calling is not to seek power and glory in this world but to stay in the quiet places, humbly serving and lovingly sacrificing our own comfort for the peace and joy of others.
Jesus is the Hero. We worship and honor Him. And we joyfully follow His way so the words of the angels will continue to ring out through us:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14