Birth announcements are wonderful ways of sharing and spreading joy. In this week’s reading, we see that the prophet Isaiah announces the arrival of a child.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

(Isaiah 9:6-7)

Isaiah’s birth announcement tells us that this baby boy will be given four distinct titles and these titles describe what the baby will do. He will be a “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Furthermore, Isaiah promises that this baby will be born on the basis of God’s own passionate commitment to fulfilling his purposes for his people: “The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” And Isaiah was right. God did deliver on this promise. Seven hundred years later Jesus was born and fulfilled every promise announced. God came among us in the person of Jesus. We live in a world that is broken and hurting. Now more than ever we need the reminder that Jesus is the one who gives wisdom and counsel, He is the one who is mighty and powerful, He is the one who is unchanging and eternal and He is the only one who gives a deep and lasting peace.