Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 9:6-7 (RSV).
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will 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, upon 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 for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
The prophet Isaiah gives an amazing description of the child who is born to save us. He shares the promise God has made for justice and righteousness. Later, he tells us the price to be paid for our salvation: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus knew from the beginning what He was born to do, later confirmed by God Himself saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). He was completely faithful in His mission to bring us the Good News, preaching “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).
The apostle Paul writes of Jesus “For in him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:19-20). Jesus gave Himself up for us, we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20) and it is a debt we can never repay.
Loving Lord, we are ashamed of the times we have gone astray, ignoring Your word and not loving one another as You taught. Forgive us and send us in Your name that all the world may know the joy of salvation in You. Amen.
