When reading about the birth of Jesus in Scripture, many people do not realize that Bethlehem was situated within a mile or two of the Herodium, a huge palace fortress built upon a hill for King Herod, who had set himself up as the King of the Jews. Undoubtedly, as Joseph and Mary worked their way toward Bethlehem, their eyes looked frequently to this fortress upon a hill, reminding them of King Herod’s power, glory, and might.

The contrast between Herod and Jesus could not be more stark.

Herod’s fortress and all the wealth and strength it represented was contrasted by the poverty and weakness of Joseph and Mary struggling to make their way to Bethlehem where they were not even able to find a room to sleep in.

Instead, Mary had to give birth to her son in a dirty stable, surrounded by animals, and the only clothing she had for Him were some strips of linen to wrap Him in.

But this is the way of God and His Kingdom.

This Advent season, if you think that you are too poor, too weak, or too insignificant for God to use, remember Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. Their beginnings could not have been more humble. God loves taking the poor, the weak, and the humble people of this world, and using them to bring glory to Himself.

This is an excerpt from A Scripture on Advent: Luke 2:4-7.

We looked briefly at Isaiah 9:6 yesterday, and the government of Jesus. In that same Scripture, Isaiah also says that “his name will be called…” and then goes on to list a bunch of names: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Most often we tend to think that these are other names of Jesus. But I don’t think this is the best way to understand this Scripture.

First of all, Isaiah say that this child will have one name (singular). But if this is so, why would Isaiah then go on to list four names (or five, or eight, depending on how you count)?

Second, if these are names of Jesus, then we run into some serious problems understanding the text. For example, nobody in Isaiah’s day though that the Messiah was going to be God Himself. And so Isaiah would not have written that the Messiah was “Mighty God” if he meant by this that the Messiah would be “God incarnate.” Even more seriously, the third “name” is “Everlasting Father.” Unless you don’t believe in the Trinity, you are probably not ready to say that Jesus is God the Father.

So in light of these sorts of difficulties, it seems better to understand the “names” of Isaiah 9:6 not as “names” but as descriptions of the one name,  Jesus. In this way, Isaiah 9:6 is saying, “And He will be described in this way…”

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As we watch the comedic behavior of some of our elected officials in Washington D. C.,  we long for the return of Jesus when He will rule and reign over all the earth with righteousness and justice.  If we ever wonder what His government will be like, we don’t have to look any further than His birth.

The birth of Jesus reflects what the future reign of Jesus will look like.

One Scripture that describes His government is Isaiah 9:6. It says this:

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Those four “names” are not really names, but are descriptions of his name (singular). Over at Scripture-on.com, I wrote the following about this verse:

When Jesus rules and reigns, He will be a “Wonderful Counselor”, making wise decisions for the good of all. “Mighty God” might be better translated “Mighty is God” or “Mighty of God.” Jesus, of course, is God incarnate, but this verse does not teach it. Instead, it is teaching that His might and power as ruler comes from God. Similarly, “Everlasting Father” does not mean Jesus is God the Father. It means that Jesus is the benevolent father of all people, watching over them and caring for them as His own children. Finally, He is the “Prince of Peace.” Though many governments promise peace, true peace comes only through Jesus Christ.

And for these reasons we cry, “Maranatha!” Come, Lord Jesus!

Head on over there to Scripture-on.com for the rest of this post.