When Heaven Came Down - December 3rd Devotion

A Child Will Be Born

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:6 (CSB)
“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.”

Devotional Thought:
Sometimes God’s promises are like wrapped gifts under the tree—they look beautiful, but you can’t see what’s inside right away. You have to wait until the right moment.
That’s how Isaiah’s words must have felt to God’s people.
Isaiah was a prophet who lived hundreds of years before Jesus was born. The world was dark. God’s people were in trouble. Their kings had failed them. Their land was full of fear and fighting. But then—like a beam of light in the fog—Isaiah made a promise:
“A child will be born for us… a son will be given…”

Can you imagine how that sounded? A child? That didn’t sound like a military plan. That didn’t sound like a rescue mission. But God was saying something powerful:
The hope of the world would come through a baby.

And not just any baby—listen to what Isaiah says He would be called:
Wonderful Counselor – He would be wise enough to guide us through life.
Mighty God – He would be strong enough to save us.
Eternal Father – He would be forever faithful.
Prince of Peace – He would end the war between God and man.

That baby in the manger?
 He fulfilled every name Isaiah gave.
 Jesus is the promise, the plan, and the peace we’ve been waiting for.
Isaiah didn’t live to see Jesus. But he believed God would come through.
We’re called to live that way too.
 To trust that even in the waiting, God is working.
 Even in the silence, God is speaking.
 Even in the darkness, Light is coming.

Let’s Talk About It:
Which of the names of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 stands out to you most? Why?
What does it say about God’s heart that He sent a child to be our Savior?
How do you feel knowing Isaiah believed before he saw?

Christmas Carol Connection: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
This ancient carol echoes the longings of Isaiah’s time. Try singing or listening to it tonight as a family. Talk about what it means to wait in hope—just like they did back then.
“Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.”

Closing Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the promise of Isaiah.
 Thank You that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. 
Help us to trust You like Isaiah did, even when we don’t see the whole picture yet.
 Help us to worship You as we wait, and to know that Your timing is perfect.
 In the name of Jesus, the Child who came for us,
Amen.