Mighty God
Let's listen again to the first verse of Rich's song, based on Isaiah 9:6-7:
For unto us a Child is born
Unto us a Son is given
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
The Power Behind the Manger
Yesterday we looked at Jesus as "wonderful Counsellor". Today let's reflect on Jesus as "Mighty God".
It's common for people to emphasize the view of Jesus that Charles Wesley wrote about in His famous hymn which said "gentle Jesus, meek and mild". Of course, at Christmas we think of Him as a little child, innocent and sweet. And even as an adult, there's a sense in which Jesus was exactly that – He was gentle with people who came seeking Him, and He was meek in the sense that He went to the cross without fighting or resisting the Roman soldiers.
Finding Strength in the Mighty God
But it's an unbalanced view of Jesus, I think, which doesn't also see Him as the Mighty God! Remember, friends, that "all things were made through Jesus", as John 1 writes. And that "all things hold together in Him" as Paul said. Jesus is holding the world together! He is not just a meek and mild carpenter, but He is the mighty and powerful God of all.
I think this is particularly meaningful for us as we enter into the Christmas season. That's because Christmas can be a tough time for many. Some of us are going to have a tough Christmas, having lost loved ones this year, and now having to face the awful reality of our first Christmas without this person. Some of us are going through difficult times and the jolly Christmas spirit just grates us at this point. I think that holding onto the fact that Christ is our mighty God, not just some silly Christmas gimmick, can be very powerful for those of us who are going through such things.
Lean on the Mighty God
Will you lean on the mighty God this Christmas, to find your strength? Don't rely on gifts or food or alcohol or entertainment to make this Christmas a special one. Rely on Jesus the mighty God – worship Him, love Him, and trust Him, as you go through this season.
You will find that it is only His strength, His power, His might, that will make this Christmas a truly real one.
