For a Child Has Been Born Unto Us
This meditation is based on a passage for December 14, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).
Text: Isaiah 9:2-7
Reflection and Question: This is one of the most beloved Old Testament passages remembered at Christmas, perhaps because of Handel’s setting of the last verse in the Messiah, now a Christmas tradition. It doesn’t matter much that the Oxford Annotated New Revised Standard Bible reminds us that the poem was written to celebrate the rise of a great king, probably Hezekiah. The hope captured in these images, like light shining on those in the land of deep darkness, is infectious. Whether sung or said, they increase our joy. Which name for the child means the most to you?
He’ll take over the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limit to the wholeness he brings.
(Eugene Peterson, The Message, p. 1221)
