Announcing the Savior

"For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this."

I. The Announcement Of His Nativity

A. His Humanity

Note that the text states, "...a child is born..." This speaks of His humanity. Jesus was to be one of us. He came in human form. It is part of the incredible miracle of the Savior's birth. Jesus knows all about life on this earth. He experienced pain, sorrow, joy, hunger, thirst, etc. You cannot sing, "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen," because Jesus knows all about you and is touched with the feelings of your infirmities.

B. His Humility

He is God, but "a son is given," describes the fact that he humbled Himself and came in human form. Look at Philippians 2:5ff.

C. His Hope

Jesus brought hope and meaning to those who would receive Him, because "the government will be on His shoulders." We sometimes fret about the state of affairs in the halls of state, but our "hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness."

II. The Announcement Of His Name

A. An Astonishing Name "wonderful"

The songwriter penned, "His name is wonderful," indeed it is! How wonderful is His name? Just think of the beauty, power, peace, hope, grace, mercy, gladness and so many other elements wrapped up in His wonderful name.

B. An Astute Name "counselor"

He is the Counselor - He knows the problems before you tell Him and he knows the answers before you ask Him!

C. An Almighty Name "mighty God"

Nothing is beyond His ability - all things are possible with God.

D. An Authoritative Name "everlasting father"

He is the "Everlasting Father," Everything in life wears out. Even these bodies of ours are winding down day-by-day. But we have an Everlasting Father. One who is the same "yesterday, today and forever."

E. An Able Name "prince of peace"

Where is "peace" without Him? Certainly it is not found in youth, for that is passing. It is not found in wealth, for that is fleeting. It is not found in pleasure, for that is decaying. It is not found it friends, for they are finite. It is not found in...well, you get the idea. He is the Prince of Peace and He gives a peace, not like the world gives, but a peace that passes understanding.

III. The Announcement Of His Nature

A. An Effective Nature

"increase of His government and peace"

B. An Eternal Nature

"from now on and forever"

C. A Royal Nature

"on the throne of David, and over his kingdom"

D. A Righteous Nature

"to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness"

E. A Zealous Nature

"the zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this"