Jesus, What a Reason to
Rejoice
By Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor
It
seems as one looks around the world in which we
live, during the holiday season, many seem to be focused upon the birth
of the
Savior. Radio songs, television programs and wonderful displays of
lights prove
such to be the case. While we understand as New Testament Christians
that
“Christmas” is not a celebration of the birth of
Jesus, we, however, are inclined
to still rejoice in the fact that He was born. Jesus truly is the reason to rejoice, not only during
December, but each and every month of the year. Isaiah prophesied of
the
greatness of Jesus when he wrote, “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, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father,
The Prince
of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). What magnificent names are given the
Savior of the
world!
His name shall be
“Wonderful.” This name carries with
it the idea of “extraordinary” (Brown-Driver-Briggs
Hebrew and English Lexicon or BDB, e-sword). When one
contemplates the work
the Savior was sent to do, what other word would be fitting of Him?
Jesus is
wonderful because He saved us from
our sins (cf.
Isaiah also wrote that Jesus’ name shall be “Counselor.” This idea is seen in the one who will “advise, consult, or give counsel” (BDB, e-sword). Jesus is truly the ultimate, greatest Counselor Who has ever lived. As the Psalmist so eloquently wrote, “I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons” (Psalm 16:7). The Savior was born to instruct and counsel those who would so choose to be led by Him. Jesus, what a reason to rejoice because He is Counselor!
Then, Isaiah referred to the Savior’s name as “the mighty God.” Truly Jesus is God; He is Deity and Divinity! John declared this fact to be true as well: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1; 14). God became flesh! Jesus, what a reason to rejoice because He is the mighty God!
Next, Isaiah called the Savior’s name “the Everlasting Father.” Some versions may be correct in translating this phrase, “Father of Eternity” (Young’s Literal Translation, Darby’s Translation, Power Bible CD). The idea in the original language refers to “continuous existence” (BDB, e-sword). Paul concluded this thought when he wrote speaking of Christ, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:16-17). Jesus, what a reason to rejoice because He is the Everlasting Father.
Isaiah concludes by
referring to the Savior as “the
Prince of Peace.” Peace truly emanates and originates from
the Savior. Because
of Jesus we have peace with one another (cf.
Christians, do not just
rejoice on December 25th only
as many in our world will do, but “Rejoice in the Lord alway:
and again I say,
Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Jesus, what a reason to rejoice!