For Unto Us a Child Is Born
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah has been describing Israel’s future, when the Lord will return light to their dark land (Isaiah 9:2-3). He will bring rest, security, and abundance to them once more by breaking the oppression of their enemies. He will even bring an end to war itself (Isaiah 9:4-5). How will God bring about all this splendor for Israel?
This verse begins to describe how God will accomplish all of this. He will do it through a person: a human being who will be human born. This is a famous verse that modern Christians tend to think of as a Christmas passage. That’s because it predicts the birth of Jesus, the hope of salvation for all peoples. However, it is also the promise of God to Israel of a deliverer, a Messiah, who will restore glory and joy to their nation. This child will be the King of Israel, as well as of the world.
This person Isaiah pictures is truly unusual and remarkable. He is undeniably human because He is born as a child. He will clearly be a King, because Isaiah states that the government “will rest on His shoulders”. It was not unusual for kings to be given lavish titles in this era, but the titles given to this King quickly escalate. The titles start with the level of a crown prince, or specially empowered agent of God, to that of God. Isaiah leaves no room for question—this child who will be born will be God Himself.
The Five Names of Jesus: A Deeper Look
Isaiah 9:6 is the only place in Scripture where five of Jesus’ more than two hundred names appear together. This is also the first time in Scripture where the nation of Israel begins to understand that the One who will save them would not be a mere human but God Himself.
He would be born as a baby but also be a Son given by God. Isaiah 7:14 foretells this by referring to Him as Immanuel, meaning, “God with us”. This prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 1 and Luke 2 when Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Isaiah tells us that Jesus will free us from the burdens of human government and bring us peace. Jesus has been made Lord of all, and we each have the privilege of making Him Lord of our lives (Romans 10:10).
The child is born, it was certain; and the church, before Christ came in the flesh, benefitted by his undertaking. It is a prophecy of Him and of His kingdom, which those that waited for the Consolation of Israel read with pleasure. This child was born for the benefit of us men, of us sinners, of all believers, from the beginning to the end of the world.
“But when the gospel comes to any place, to any soul, light comes. Let us earnestly pray that it may shine into our hearts and make us wise unto salvation. The gospel brings joy with it. Those who would have joy must expect to go through hard work, as the husbandman, before he has the joy of harvest; and hard conflict, as the soldier, before he divides the spoil.” Bible Hub
THESE FIVE NAMES REPRESENT JESUS’ HUMAN AND DIVINE SIDE
Wonderful, Counsellor – Wisdom you Can Trust
He is the Wonderful Counsellor; none teaches like Him. He is God, the mighty One. Such is the work of the Mediator, that no less power than that of the mighty God could bring it to pass. He is God, one with the Father. He would be extraordinary and supernatural. Isaiah 11:1-2, where the rod from the stem of Jesse is mentioned, says that He would possess supernatural wisdom. This was fulfilled in Luke 2, where it says that Jesus, at twelve years of age, mystified even the rabbis with his understanding and answers and that He grew in wisdom and stature.
Justly is He called Wonderful, for He is both God and man; His love is the wonder of angels and glorified saints. He is the Counsellor, for He knew the counsels of God from eternity; He gives counsel to men, in which He consults our welfare.
The Mighty God – Power That Never Fails
The word mighty in Hebrew also means “heroic”. Jesus would fight our battles for us; He would conquer all. We get the fulfillment of this prophecy in John 16:33, when Jesus says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” As Israel’s Mighty God, the Messiah will be a brave and powerful leader ruling over the armies of God like no other king before Him. As Mighty God, Jesus will judge all the people of the earth. Being fully human and fully God, Jesus made the impossible possible.
The Everlasting Father – Care That Never Ends
The title “Everlasting Father” may seem confusing, because Jesus is the Son of God, yet here, He is called Father. The word “everlasting” means eternal – without end. Jesus is eternal. He has no beginning and no end. This eternal nature is important for us to understand who Jesus is. He is not a temporary leader or a fleeting hero. He is forever.
The title “Father” in this verse does not mean that Jesus is God the Father in the traditional Trinity sense. Instead, it highlights Jesus’ loving care, protection, and authority over His people.
- A father provides care and guidance.
- A father protects and loves his children.
- A father leads and provides for his family.
Jesus, as the Everlasting Father, does all these things perfectly for those who trust in Him.
This is the only place in Scripture where the attribute of fatherhood is assigned to Jesus. The fulfillment is found in John 10:30 where He says, “I and my Father are one.”
The Prince of Peace – Wholeness He Alone Provides
Prince can also be translated as “born to the task”. Jesus was born to the task of making everything as it should be. Only God can remake everything the way He originally intended. In John 14 and Romans 5, Jesus not only brings peace to the world but peace between us and the Father.
“He is God, one with the Father. As the Prince of Peace, He reconciles us to God; He is the Giver of peace in the heart and conscience; and when His Kingdom is fully established, men shall learn war no more. The government shall be upon Him; He shall bear the burden of it. Glorious things are spoken of Christ’s government.” Bible Hub
Preparing for Advent: A Time to Be Watchful and Aware
We can best prepare for Christmas by celebrating this reality every day:
Christmas celebrates the fact that Jesus came to earth, lived His life as a model for us, died for us to save us from the punishment of our sins, and rose from the dead so that we would know of our salvation and the love of God that promises forgiveness and the gift of eternal life.
Advent is a time to prepare for the Second Coming of Christ.
The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) remind us that we need to prepare, that we will be judged as to how well we have lived as Jesus has commanded. Are we living according to Gospel values, or by worldly values? Are we so caught up in the day-to-day and striving for a better tomorrow on earth that we forget what our eternal tomorrow asks of us? What will be our resolutions for our spiritual life? What can we do to make the words, “Come, Lord Jesus” that we pray during this season truly be a prayer of faith, living each day confident that we will be alert and awake when He comes?
Prayers for Advent with Bible Verses
Advent is a time of deep reflection and joyful anticipation. It is a season where believers prepare their hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and look forward to His glorious return. In a world that often rushes past the sacred, Advent calls us to pause – to breathe in the peace of God and to remember the beauty of His promises. It is a time when we learn to wait with faith, trust with hope, and rejoice in the light that overcomes all darkness.
The prayers in this collection are not simply words; they are pathways to deeper communion with God. They remind us that prayer is not about rushing to get answers but about resting in the presence of the One who came to dwell among us.
As you progress through these prayers, carefully reflect on the meaning of Christ’s coming, the promises of Scripture, and the quiet miracle of Emmanuel – God with us (Matthew 1:23). Let this Advent season fill your home, your heart, and your spirit with renewed faith and anticipation.
1. Prayer for Hope
Advent begins with the candle of hope, a light that reminds us that God is faithful to fulfill every promise He has made.
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” Isaiah 9:2
Prayer: Gracious God, You are the light that shines in the darkness, and Your promises give us strength to carry on. When the days feel long and uncertain, help us to remember that You are working in ways we cannot see. Just as the prophets waited for the Messiah, teach us to wait with faith and confidence in Your Word. Fill our homes and our hearts with the assurance that Your timing is perfect. Let Your hope rise within us like the dawn, breaking through fear, sorrow, and doubt. Lord, we trust that the light of Christ will shine in our hearts, in our world, and in every place that needs Your touch. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
2. Prayer for Peace
God’s peace is not simply the absence of trouble but the presence of His Spirit within us. Advent reminds us that true peace comes from knowing Christ.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. In a world filled with noise, conflict, and fear, we come before You seeking rest for our weary souls. Teach us to be still and to trust in Your goodness. Let Your peace rule in our hearts, calming our thoughts and quieting our worries. As we prepare to celebrate Your coming, help us to bring peace into our homes, our relationships, and our communities. Replace anger with understanding, fear with faith, and chaos with calm. May Your peace dwell richly within us, reminding us that You are always near. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
3. Prayer for Joy
Joy is more than a feeling – it is a deep confidence in God’s love and goodness. Advent invites us to rejoice in the coming of our Savior.
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4
Prayer: Father, You are the source of all joy. In this Advent season, help us to rejoice even when life feels uncertain. Remind us that true joy is found not in the things we possess but in Your presence. When we grow weary, fill us with the joy of Your salvation. Let our hearts overflow with gratitude for all that You have done and all that You will do. May our lives reflect the joy of knowing Christ, who came to bring light to the world. Lord, let this joy flow through us and touch everyone we meet, reminding them of Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
4. Prayer for Love
Love is the foundation of Advent – it is the reason Christ came to earth. His love transforms hearts and brings light into the darkest places.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your love knows no bounds. You sent Your Son to show us what true love looks like – humble, sacrificial, and unconditional. As we reflect on that love this Advent season, help us to love others as You have loved us. Soften our hearts toward those in need, heal broken relationships, and teach us to forgive freely. Let Your love flow through us, bringing warmth to those who feel forgotten and peace to those who are hurting. Lord, may our lives be a reflection of the love that began in Bethlehem and continues to shine through the ages. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
5. Prayer for Preparation
Advent calls us to prepare not just our homes for Christmas but our hearts for the coming of Christ.
“For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Matthew 3:3
Prayer: Lord, we hear the voice of John the Baptist crying out to prepare the way for You. Help us to clear away the clutter in our hearts that keeps us from You. Teach us to make room for Your presence in our daily lives. Let this Advent be a season of renewal, where we turn our eyes from the world’s distractions and focus on You. Lord, come and dwell within us. Make our hearts ready for Your arrival, and help us to live every day in joyful expectation of Your coming. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.