The Birth of Christ Predicted # 5

"... And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father ..." Isaiah 9:6

The birth of Jesus was predicted by the prophet Isaiah more than 400 years beforehand. He even predicted what He would be called. 'The Everlasting Father' is a term that is difficult for me to completely understand.

I understand the word 'Everlasting'. God is unending. He had no beginning and He has no end. Before the beginning of time, He already was. And when this world comes to an end, He will continue to exist. I know that God is, God was, and God forever will be. While the concept of infinity is difficult to grasp, I understand it.

My problem is understanding what the prophet Isaiah meant when he applied the word 'Father' to God The Son. The Rev. Dr. John MacArthur suggests that "The Messiah will be a Father to His people eternally ... He will compassionately care for and discipline them." The Rev. Dr. Thomas Nelson suggests that it "literally means 'Father of Eternity'. He alone is the source of eternal life." The Rev. Dr. Matthew Henry states "He is God, one with The Father, who is from everlasting to everlasting ... He is The Father of the world to come."

In keeping with these true Bible scholars let me say, Jesus, The Christ, 'The Everlasting Father', is a benevolent protector of His people past, present, and future throughout eternity.

Jesus Christ is special. Everything about Him is special, including His conception and birth which was predicted by the prophet Isaiah more than 400 years earlier.

Have a Merry Christmas. Please remember why we celebrate Christmas and let us keep Christ in our celebration of Christmas.