Skip to main content

Good news

Subhead
Built on a rock
By
Gary Klatt, pastor, St. John Lutheran Church, Luverne

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:6-7
“It’s a boy!” The birth announcement came out 700 years before he was born. God was very proud to announce that His Son would come into our world in human flesh. He couldn’t keep the secret any longer. He wanted all of the world to know. He also wanted everyone to know what this child would be doing with His life. If any child ever had a legacy to live up to, it would be this child.
He would bear the weight of the world government upon His shoulders. He would take responsibility to care for and provide for all of the people of the world forever. Look at the names that He would answer to:  “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” Each name tells us something about Him. “Wonderful Counselor” means that He will strive to unite people and help them to accept one another for whom God has made them to be. He will work to help people work through their problems and find solutions that benefit everyone. 
“Mighty God” reminds us that He will have the power of God to back up His words and actions.  He will have the wisdom and knowledge of God so that He can understand all things. 
“Everlasting Father” assures us that He will always have the love and compassion for all people like a good father. 
“Prince of Peace” reminds us that He belongs to a royal family and their goal is to work peace among all people.
The first announcement was a promise to empower God’s people with the assurance that God had a solution to all their fears. When the child came, another announcement was given by the holy angels. They appeared to shepherds out in the fields watching over their sheep.
“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:10-14)
It’s a boy and His name is Jesus. The “Good News” is that He has lived up to the promise. He has accomplished the salvation of the world. He was born a King and even though He never looked like a king, He has shown His power and authority by His preaching and teaching, miracles of healing and restoring broken lives, and ultimately by giving His life on the cross of Calvary, and then rising from the dead on the third day. He is the Lord because He is in charge of all things in heaven and on earth. He works all things for the good of those who trust Him and His promises. He has conquered His enemies of sin, death and the devil and shares His victory with all who believe and follow Him and He does this for the rest of eternity.
Rejoice with us in the birthday of Jesus and you will know His love and peace in your life, too!

You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.