For unto us a Child is born,

... Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peaceThere will be no end (Isaiah 9:6, 7a). Both Christian and the early Jewish commentators see this passage referring to the then coming messiah. Post Christ Jewish commentators have sought to explain this away identifying the son as Hezekiah. It won't wash, the given description can apply to no mere man! So much orthodox Christian theology as well as mystery, is tied up in these few Old Testament lines, but also in the wider context of the book of Isaiah. We see here, for example, the dual nature of Christ.  As a child born,  He took on flesh, becoming fully human, yet He is almighty God. The mystery of the trinity is here too, one of the names of the child born,  the son given,  is the everlasting Father.  

Eschatology, the study of the last days and of everlasting righteousness and peace,  is also here. Everlasting peace cannot be accomplished without God intervening with His governmental authority. And it rests on the shoulders of Messiah. It is interesting that the context of this passage is of judgement (verse 14), so clearly if His reign is to be a reign of peace,  He has to separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32).  Note too, that “the Son given” is a gift. For God so loved the World that He gave His one and only Son that whosever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  And for those who have eyes to see “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (verse 2a).

So yes there is judgement, but also there is mercy “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (1:18). And it is relationship that He seeks.  As Wonderful counselor He is Holy Spirit, coming   along side to comfort and council. As the Father He is the one who adopts us, gives us the spirit of adoption and causes us to cry out “Abba, Daddy, Father” (Romans 8:15).  As the everlasting Father, the son is from everlasting to everlasting.  And though He was crucified in time, He was also “slain before the foundation of the World” (Revelation 3:18).  As this, as I say is orthodox Christian theology which we often seem to forget, is swept in mystery.  To those inside has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. And with  twenty twenty hind-site it is clear (or should I say somewhat clear). However those outside “Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive” (6:9).

Father, I am caused to wonder again this morning at the amazing details of Your plan of salvation. Do I understand it all?  Well Father if I did I would be God and I am not. But Lord with all this mystery it is no wonder that the wisdom of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.  Thank You Lord that by the “foolishness” of preaching You found me and rescued me. And I ask Lord that You give me the grace to live truth,  so although they may not understand, nevertheless they will want what I have. And I will give Your glory in Jesus Name Amen