The problem with one of our favorite Christmas passages

There's a problem with Isaiah 9:6.

Let me clarify: it's not an issue with the passage itself. It's one of the best-known, oft-referenced, most beloved Christmas passages. The problem lies in our relationship with the wonderful words of this verse.

Think about it like a new pair of shoes.

A new pair of shoes can be so lovely that we fear any creases, marks, or scuffs that come from actually putting them on. To put them to their intended use would risk wear and tear. It's tempting to just leave the shoes on display, rather than put them on and subject them to the world we walk around in.

Rest assured, Isaiah 9:6 is up to the challenge.

Ponder with me the practicality of this passage. Put Isaiah 9:6 on your feet and walk around with it in the places you go, the people you interact with, the to-do list you carry out.

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given...

A child is always with us.

Even when not in our physical presence, are they not with us? They can be off at school, moved out of the house, or no longer with us, yet sitting firmly in our hearts at all times. This is the nature of God's provision.

...and the government will be on his shoulders.

How quickly a government can rile us up!

Content with the human government as it is? Just wait 4-8 years (or a week). You'll find something to grumble about. For all the emphasis we give our personal relationship with God, He hasn't let go of the broader governing of humanity in the form of human authorities. Despite all appearances, he holds everything up.

And he shall be called...

Wonderful Counselor

We desire knowledge to navigate what's in front of us.

You name it: a person you deal with, a difference of opinion/perspective, a decision to be made, a conflict you're facing, a challenge to overcome. He has counsel that informs us. Contrary to the thinking he's a buzzkill, his counsel is wonderful.

That very counsel puts us into the experience of the names that come next.

Mighty God

We're in need of support and strength for this life's troubles.

He's the source of strength in the midst of all things. Are our external conditions turbulent? He lies asleep in the boat while the storm rages, fully capable of quieting the atmosphere. Notice him in his quiet might - regardless of the storm - and find his strength for yourself.

We navigate every trial from some source of strength, and whose strength we work from will determine both our actions and our reactions.

Everlasting Father

We look for comfort in the midst of death and all its derivatives.

Some places in Scripture describe the relationship with God as 'both/and.' This is one such case. He occupies his throne as our king, due our reverence and awe. We're to bow before him.

And.

And while sitting upon that throne, he in his mercy invites us up into his lap, holding us in the midst of any and all situations that distress, burden, and concern us. Do you find yourself thinking he's not to be bothered with what's in front of you? Let his whisper draw you up into his lap, close enough to hear him.

Prince of Peace

We want reconciliation and alignment with God.

And yet we so easily gravitate toward hostility to him and his kingdom. He offers peace and reconciliation by the blood of his cross, yet we declare ourselves unworthy to receive it. This is the crux of what keeps us from peace. Entrust yourself to the sacrifice this child was born to be on your behalf, and you'll find peace permeating your heart.

It won't be long before it migrates to your mind. Then it's only a matter a time that it moves through your mouth and hands, and into your external world.

All of this, born unto us.

Yes indeed, it's a merry Christmas.

Nathan