Isaiah 9:2-7

“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.” vs. 6

When Hezekiah ascended to the throne of Judah in the late 8th century BC, Isaiah took note of the hopes and dreams that accompanied the beginning of his reign. Hezekiah knew that the rising power of Assyria was a threat to the nation, and took steps to reform Temple practices and abolish idolatry, while at the same time strengthening the walls of Jerusalem. He was regarded as a good and righteous king, fully deserving of the accolades recorded here. Jerusalem survived the attack of the Assyrians, and they retreated to Nineveh, their capital. 

But that moment of glory didn’t last. Hezekiah died and was followed by a succession of lesser kings from the line of David. But early Christians took note of this verse and saw in it a reference to the birth of Jesus. Soon all the names initially attached to Hezekiah were connected to the child of Bethlehem, and have become familiar to many through the words of Handel’s Messiah. In fact these verses are probably some of the most recognizable of the entire oratorio.. The words are a reminder to us that the saving acts of God are not confined to any particular generation, but have been continually repeated through all of recorded history. We’re always looking for a new messianic leader, and some are even now yearning for the rebirth of the Christ.

Thought for the Day: What would the rebirth of Christ be like?