“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end.” (Isaiah 9:6-7a NLT)

Today we celebrate that the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—Jesus Christ—left His heavenly throne with the Father to humble Himself by taking on the form of man in the most precious and vulnerable way—as an infant.

Unable to find lodging in Bethlehem, Jesus’ parents were forced to take cover in a cave as Mary’s birth pains grew stronger and closer together. The lamb of God, the One to take on the sins of the world, came in the dead of night and rested in a meager manger. Being both fully man and fully God, Jesus laid down His deity to walk among the people and save those who would soon scorn Him.

Sometimes it’s hard to see past the manger at Christmas. The story of this beautiful Baby and His humble beginnings doesn’t take away the weight of our troubles and fears that lay heavy on our hearts. We get caught up in the gift-giving, holiday parties, and all the travel and busyness of seeing loved ones. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that this isn’t just about a Baby, it’s not just about the dirty manger and His humble beginnings, especially when the busyness and distractions of the season take our attention from His big picture.

Zephaniah 3:17 says, “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

This Christmas, let’s remember that the season is about much more than a Baby in a manger. We’ve been given the greatest gift of all—Jesus! The delicate Baby born that night was, in fact, the King of the World! He is living among us, walking with us daily, and guiding us through His Spirit. Jesus is the Mighty Savior who takes delight in the people He loves. So much so that He came to lay down His life to serve as the only possible propitiation (1 John 2:2) for God’s people to be placed in right standing with God. 

King Jesus, You are the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and ultimately, You are the King of the World! Thank You for humbling Yourself to live as a mere man, doing only what You could do. You are Almighty, You are wonderful, and You are great! Remind us each day of Your power and Your majesty. Let us take delight in Your Word and honor You through obedience and worship. You alone are the King of the World—worthy of all honor, praise, and glory forever! Amen!

Merry Christmas from your family at CBN!

~

Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.