These words from the book of Isaiah were written more than seven hundred years before the birth of Christ. Every Christmas these verses are preached, taught, sung, and honored. They are considered messianic prophecy because they taught God’s people what to look for and hope for in their Messiah.

Isaiah’s words are celebrated each Christmas, but this verse also describes why so many in Israel saw Jesus, even witnessed his miracles, yet did not believe him to be their Messiah. Isaiah said, “The government shall be upon his shoulder.” The Jewish people were looking for a man from the lineage of King David, but they were also looking for a leader like King David. They wanted and expected that their Messiah would be an earthly king, a great soldier who would overthrow the Roman oppressors. They believed the Messiah would lead Israel to once again become the most powerful nation in the world.

They wanted a military leader more than they wanted a “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus was born to be the Savior of everyone in this world, not to save Israel alone. Jesus was welcomed by very few who were expecting the Messiah. He wasn’t the Messiah those people wanted. 

We live in a culture that enjoys celebrating Christmas with a Savior and a Santa. Human nature is unchanging. The first-century Jewish culture would have chosen to follow Jesus if he had come the first time like we know he will return one day. They wanted a powerful king that day. Most still do. But Jesus didn’t come to be a Santa, bringing people whatever they asked for. Jesus came to be our Savior.

Christmas is about a child, born to peasants, who was also God’s Son, born to die for the sins of the world. Jesus offers the world what they need the most, but many don’t want to accept what Jesus offers them today. People tend to admire powerful earthly kings, but Jesus still wants to be our Wonderful Counselor, a Mighty God, an Everlasting Father, and a Prince of Peace. He is the mighty King, but his kingdom isn’t here on earth.

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. Our hope is the same as Isaiah’s. A child was born as our King, now and forever.