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The verse displayed below is from the English Standard Version of Isaiah 9:6. You have very likely seen this verse during the last few weeks in other facebook posts, emails, and I bet if you checked the Christmas cards you have received the last few weeks, you will find it listed a few times. It is a very popular passage for Christmas and deservedly so.

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. -- Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

The Book of Isaiah was written by The Prophet more than 600 years ago - long before the concept of The Trinity was commonly understood. That being the Godhead of "God The Father", "The Son", and "The Holy Spirit." And long before the concept was understood that the long-anticipated and Promised Messiah would not be a powerful political leader, a warrior, or a king; rather The Son of God in human form.

Last year, I listened to a sermon on the radio delivered by Pastor Tony Evans (who I highly recommend) about this verse. During his discussion, he pointed out an amazing point I had never heard before, and I bet there is a good chance you have not heard either. This was a great insight on his part.

The first two phrases, we as casual readers might accept as synonymous concepts. Actually, they are not because they have a very distinct, and by virtue, an extremely important difference.

First, "For to us, a child is born." That is clearly understood as pointing to the physical birth of Jesus; when God chose to enter our Earthly realm as fully human while maintaining His full deityship. A Pastor could spend a sermon series just on that very powerful and important phrase. So far, so good.

Now, the second phrase, "To us a Son is given." Wow, with the above preface, I bet you are getting an inkling of where this is going. Here is a clue ...

The snippet below is from Isaiah Chapter 53 which is a prophecy of when God The Father offered His Son as "The Suffering Servant" as The Sacrifice to take away the sin for all of mankind and for all time. Again, Chapter 53 was written more than 600 years before the events it speaks of actually took place.

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief - Isaiah 53:10 (ESV)

So we see in Isaiah 9, a prophecy indicating that The Everlasting and Eternal Son of God was born in human flesh and at the same time was offered as The Promised One to reconcile our relationship with God The Father.

How wonderful is that? Now that you have learned something of interest, remember this and the next time someone mentions this verse (maybe next Christmas) pass along Pastor Tony's amazing insight. The Bible is full of these wonderful connections if we only take the time to study them or listen to the teachings of wonderful teachers like Pastor Tony Evans.

Bonus comment: One more point about Isaiah 9:6. Many Old Testament followers did not believe the Messiah would be part of God's deity as was discussed above. Again, The Messiah was expected to be from The Line of David and a powerful human leader - not God. Well, this passage settles that discussion. The titles listed in Isaiah 9:6 includes the Hebrew (transliterated) El-Gibbor or (God Allmighty).

I hope this Blesses you and adds just a bit more Joy to your Christmas season.