Advent Day 03: Hope

FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT – TUESDAY December 3, 2024

READ Isaiah 9:2–7
Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by the prophet Isaiah. This coming King will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Meditate on the four terms used here—each one is amazing.

REFLECT
Isaiah is full of prophecies of a coming Messiah King. Chapter 9, verse 6 reads: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Even in the Old Testament, this is a strong Trinitarian statement.

Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor; the Holy Spirit is his Spirit. He is the true source of wisdom (John 14:16-18).

Everlasting Father. Jesus says that he who has seen him has seen the Father (John 14:9).

He is the Prince of Peace, Prince of Shalom. Shalom is the Hebrew word that conveys absolute spiritual and physical flourishing. Jesus not only gives you a wonderful relationship with himself that brings you peace; he will also create a new heaven and a new earth. He will bring peace and justice, and will rid the world of poverty, injustice, violence, war, disease, and death.

Finally, he is the Mighty God. The word “mighty” is the Hebrew word gibor, and it means “hero” or “champion,” the one who faces overwhelming odds, is willing to give his life, and saves the people.

PRAY
Thank God that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Ask God to help you to reflect on it, treasure it, and remember it.