Day 8 — A Promise in the Dark

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

— Isaiah 9:6 (BSB)

Have you ever waited for something you were promised? A trip, a birthday party or a visit from someone you love? Waiting is hard. But when you know the promise is coming, it gives you something to hold on to.

After sin broke the world, God didn’t leave people without hope. Right there in the garden, He hinted that someday a child would come who would crush the serpent (you can find it in Genesis 3:15). And over hundreds of years, God kept adding more and more to that promise through His prophets.

Isaiah wrote today’s verse about 700 years before Jesus was born. It was a dark time for God’s people. Their enemies were strong, and many of them had turned away from God. A few verses earlier, Isaiah describes them as “the people walking in darkness.” But God gave them a light: a promise that a very special child would be born.

Look at the names this child would be called:

• Wonderful Counselor. A counselor gives advice. This child would be the wisest guide ever, one you could always trust.
• Mighty God. This wouldn’t be an ordinary baby. He would be God Himself!
• Everlasting Father. He would care for His people forever, like a perfect father.
• Prince of Peace. He would bring peace between people and God, and one day peace to the whole world.

Who could this possibly be? For hundreds of years, people wondered and waited. Then one night in Bethlehem, a baby was born to a young woman named Mary. His name was Jesus, and He was the child God had promised all along.

God always keeps His promises. Sometimes we have to wait. But not one of His promises has ever failed, and not one ever will.

Think about it: Which of the four names of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 means the most to you right now? Why?

Try this: Pick one of the four names and use it in your prayer today. For example: “Jesus, my Wonderful Counselor, please guide me with…”

Dear God, thank You that even when the world was dark, You gave a promise of light. Thank You that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. Thank You that You always keep Your promises. Help me trust You while I wait. In Jesus’ name, Amen.