In the darkest hours of Israel’s history, when hope seemed distant and God’s promises felt far away, the prophet Isaiah penned words that would echo through centuries: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” (Isaiah 9:6). These words, familiar to many from Handel’s Messiah, carry a weight of glory that continues to unfold even today. In our own uncertain times, this ancient prophecy offers extraordinary comfort and hope, revealing the marvel of God’s plan in sending His Son.

The Mystery of the Incarnation

The prophecy begins with a stunning paradox: a child born, a son given. Here we encounter the miracle of the incarnation—the infinite God taking on finite human flesh. In Bethlehem’s humble manger, the eternal entered time, the creator became creature, the infinite became infant. This was no mere appearance of humanity; the eternal Son of God took on genuine human nature, with all its limitations except sin. He hungered, thirsted, grew weary, and experienced every human frailty.

Yet this birth was unlike any other. While every other person comes into being at conception, this child had no beginning. He was, as John’s Gospel declares, “in the beginning with God” (John 1:1). The manger held Him who holds the universe. The hands that gripped Mary’s finger had formed the stars. Here lies the heart of Christianity’s greatest mystery—not merely that a child was born, but that this child was the eternal Son of God.

A Child is Born: The Humanity of Christ

The prophecy begins with the announcement of a child born into the world. This points unmistakably to the incarnation of Christ. As fully human, He was born in the humility of a manger (Luke 2:7), yet He was sovereign over the universe He came to save. His birth fulfils the promise of Immanuel, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14), revealing God’s willingness to dwell among His people and redeem them.

Jesus’ humanity was essential for His mission of redemption. As Paul writes, He was “born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5). By living a sinless life as a man, He perfectly fulfilled the law’s demands on behalf of His people. His humanity also enables Him to sympathise with our weaknesses, standing as the perfect mediator between God and humanity (Hebrews 4:15).

The Son is Given: The Deity of Christ

When Isaiah speaks of “a son given,” he points to an even deeper reality. Before He was born of Mary, the Son existed eternally with the Father. His coming to earth wasn’t the beginning of His existence but rather the beginning of His earthly mission. This was the Father’s supreme gift—sending His beloved, eternal Son into our broken world. The giving preceded the birth, reaching back into the counsels of eternity where the Triune God planned our redemption.

The Wonder of the Two Natures

In this one person, Jesus Christ, two complete natures unite—true God and true man. He isn’t half God and half man, but rather fully both. His divine nature didn’t nullify His humanity, nor did His humanity diminish His deity. This union was necessary for our salvation: as man, He could represent us and die in our place; as God, His sacrifice holds infinite value. He bridges the infinite gap between God and humanity because He is both.

Names That Reveal Glory

Isaiah’s prophecy unfolds Christ’s glory through four magnificent titles.

• As Wonderful Counsellor, He embodies divine wisdom, guiding His people with perfect understanding.
• As Mighty God, He possesses all divine power and authority.
• As Everlasting Father, He cares eternally for His people with paternal love.
• As Prince of Peace, He establishes true shalom—complete reconciliation with God—through His death and resurrection.

A Kingdom Unfolding

The prophecy then turns to Christ’s kingdom, revealing a reality both present and future. Today, Christ reigns at the Father’s right hand, exercising His authority through His Word and Spirit. His kingdom advances not through political power but through the proclamation of the Gospel, transforming hearts and lives. Yet we await the full manifestation of His reign, when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess His lordship.

“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end” promises a kingdom that continuously expands. Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, Christ’s kingdom grows steadily toward its final consummation. This growth isn’t always visible to human eyes, but it’s certain, guaranteed by God’s unchanging purpose.

The Davidic Throne Fulfilled

When Isaiah speaks of “the throne of David,” he connects Christ’s reign to God’s covenant promises. Yet Jesus fulfils these promises in ways that far exceed their original scope. David’s earthly kingdom becomes the pattern for an eternal, spiritual kingdom that encompasses all nations. Christ rules with perfect justice and righteousness, establishing His kingdom not through military might but through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection.

Hope for Today

This prophecy isn’t merely about future events; it transforms how we live today. Every aspect of Christ’s person and work brings immediate comfort and hope. His full humanity means He understands our struggles. His full deity means He has power to help. His perfect wisdom guides us through life’s complexities. His mighty power protects us in our weakness. His eternal love assures us in our doubts. His peace sustains us in our conflicts.

As citizens of His kingdom, we live under His authority now, even as we await the full revelation of His reign. We serve a King who has already won the decisive victory, even as He works to apply that victory throughout His creation. This gives us confidence in our witness, patience in our trials, hope in our darkest hours.

Conclusion

Isaiah’s prophecy spans from Bethlehem’s manger to history’s culmination, from Christ’s humble birth to His eternal reign. It assures us God keeps His promises, that our salvation rests on the firmest possible foundation, and that history moves toward a glorious conclusion. In Jesus, we see the perfect fulfillment of God’s ancient promise—the child born in time who is the eternal Son, the humble servant who is the mighty King, the one in whom all God’s promises find their yes and amen.

As we contemplate this magnificent prophecy, may we bow in wonder before the child who is the mighty God, and may we serve with joy the Son of God, the King whose kingdom shall have no end.

 

To Us a Child is Born—Related FAQs

How does God’s sovereign initiative relate to our salvation? God’s sovereign initiative means salvation begins entirely with God, not with human decision or effort. Before the foundation of the world, God chose His people in Christ, not based on any foreseen faith or merit, but according to His good pleasure and grace alone. This truth assures us our salvation is secure because it depends on God’s unchanging purpose rather than our fluctuating faithfulness.

• How does the Old Testament connect to Christ’s coming? God’s redemptive plan unfolds as one unified story throughout Scripture, with Christ as its central focus and fulfillment. The Old Testament sacrifices, prophecies, and promises weren’t separate from Christ but were shadows pointing to Him, demonstrating God’s consistent purpose across both testaments. Every promise, ceremony, and figure in the Old Testament finds its ultimate meaning in Christ, showing that God had one plan of salvation from the beginning.
• What does it mean that Christ holds three offices? As Prophet, Priest, and King, Christ fulfils all the mediatorial roles necessary for our salvation. As Prophet, He perfectly reveals God to us through His word and Spirit; as Priest, He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice and continually intercedes for His people; and as King, He rules and defends us. These three offices work together seamlessly in Christ’s person and work to accomplish our complete salvation.
• Can we be certain God will keep His promises? God’s promises are absolutely certain because they rest on His unchanging character and sovereign power, not on human response or worthiness. Every promise God makes is backed by His perfect faithfulness and infinite ability to accomplish His will. His promises are guaranteed by Christ’s finished work and sealed by the Spirit, making them more certain than any earthly reality.
• What areas of life fall under Christ’s lordship? Christ’s lordship extends over every aspect of creation and human life – there is no “secular” realm outside His authority. This comprehensive sovereignty means every area of life—whether family, work, art, science, politics, or culture—must be brought under His authority and lived for His glory. The scope of His lordship matches the scope of His redemptive work, which aims at the restoration of all things.
• Did Christ die for everyone or only for the elect? Christ’s death effectively secured salvation for all those whom the Father gave Him—His chosen people from every nation. His atonement wasn’t merely making salvation possible but actually accomplished redemption for His people, ensuring all those for whom He died will certainly come to faith and be saved. This particular redemption makes Christ’s saving work not just potentially effective but actually effective for His people.

Why is God’s glory the ultimate purpose of salvation? The ultimate purpose of salvation, like all of God’s works, is the manifestation of His own glory—His character, attributes, and excellence. While we receive immense benefits from salvation, God’s glory is primary; our salvation showcases His wisdom, justice, mercy, and love. Understanding this helps us see our greatest joy and highest good are found in glorifying God rather than in seeking our own happiness.

 

To Us a Child is Born—Our Related Posts

• Why do We Affirm Jesus is Fully God and Fully Man?
• The Three Offices of Christ: As Prophet, Priest and King
• The Eternal Son: How is Jesus Begotten of the Father?
• Affirm the Virgin Birth? Why Must We?
• How Jesus Fulfilled Impossible Prophecies: Against Quintillion-to-One Odds
• Is Jesus the Jewish Messiah? Seven Arguments You Can’t Ignore