“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV 

The words were spoken by the prophet Isaiah to a land and a people in darkness. Desperate and without hope, they were oppressed by their enemy and in bondage.

The promise brought the hope and light they so desperately needed. A Son would be born, Jesus their Savior and so much more as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Matthew 1:23 describes the holy child as Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” 

Do you know him? Have you experienced the wonder of his presence in your life? If you’ve felt lost or abandoned – without hope in a dark world – reach out. Open your heart and receive this child, this King, into your life. He is with you. You are not alone.  

In his presence, fear disappears, chains break, despair dissipates. In his presence, light comes, driving out depression and filling every dark and lonely place of your soul. Hope comes with the reassurance that you can make it through this time of testing to better days ahead.  

Your ability to approach life with confidence and trust can be strengthened with the simple understanding that there is someone beside you. God is with you. Emmanuel. 

Additional reading: Isaiah 9:1-7, Matthew 1:23, Colossians 1:26-27