One of the prophetic verses that is often quoted when we talk about the names surrounding the identity of the babe born in Bethlehem at Christmas is Isaiah 9:6.
“For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
The assigned Psalm for thiis week on the liturgical calendar is Psalm 72.
The babe of Bethlehem was named Jesus, Savior but described in the Old Testament as Wonderful Counsellor and Mighty God. This same prophecy calls him “Everlating Father and Prince of Peace.” King Solomon wrote Psalm 72 as a prayer about kingship, ending with verses 14-19 that touch on the eternality of the babe in Bethlehem and the goal to create a better world where peace reigns.
Long may he live!
May gold of Sheba be given to him.
May prayer be made for him continually,
and blessings invoked for him all day long.
16 May there be abundance of grain in the land;
may it wave on the tops of the mountains;
may its fruit be like Lebanon;
and may people blossom in the cities
like the grass of the field.
17 May his name endure for ever,
his fame continue as long as the sun.
May all nations be blessed in him;
may they pronounce him happy.
18 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
19 Blessed be his glorious name for ever;
may his glory fill the whole earth.
Amen and Amen.
Peace is not just the absence of war and conflict. Circle or high light the words in these verses that speak to you of peace. Do any of the circled words stand out? The one that jumped out to me is “abundance.” Solomon prays for abundance in the land so all are satisfied. Take your word that you picked and identify where you see that characteristic in your life and thank God. May you experience the abundance of God’s love this year! Peace!
On the Way to Wonder 