“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.” Isaiah 9:6
Last night I watched another presidential debate and once again I heard a lot of bold statements and bickering, but I have to sadly admit, not much wisdom or clear direction for our government. I was disappointed from the rhetoric that I hoped would inspire but it was once again more political than persuasive or presidential. To further raise the bar of what I expected to hear from a candidate to lead our nation, I was reading a biography of George Washington and was reminded of his humble, wise, and courageous leadership during one of the most important and turbulent times in the history of our country.
However, whether the leader of our great nation is George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, or any other president now, then, or forevermore, they, and we, fall pathetically short to the grand plan of God Almighty without Jesus Christ as Lord. As sinful people in a sinful world who, throughout history, “will hear of wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6), and cry out “peace, peace, when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14), we will always be disappointed by human leaders and government. There is no prince or president who will ever make all things right. However, we do have a “Prince of Peace” who can make all things new.
Jesus Christ came to this world as a child, as a son – the son of God. He was truly God with us. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (which means God with us) Isaiah 7:14. This prophecy of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom was foretold 750 years before His birth. And the government of Christ will be like no other government. His government will be the Kingdom of God, not the kingdom of man, and “the government shall rest upon his shoulder.” He will be the Lord and Savior of this Kingdom and it will last for eternity, and those who believe in Him and follow Him are in the Kingdom and they shall call Him “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This Christmas, as we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we should also remember that politics, presidents, and people may disappoint us and even sometimes deceive us, but there is one “Prince of Peace,” born in Bethlehem, who will “never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), and He is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Merry Christmas and may God bless you with His grace, love, and truth!