As we approach the feast of Christ’s birth, there are numerous passages in the Old Testament that the Church’s faith has,
over the centuries, seen as related to and even a foretelling of the events in Bethlehem at the
first Christmas.
One of the most well-known comes from the Book of the prophet Isaiah. There, some 700 years earlier, it was written, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (Is 9:5)
The passage speaks of the child who is born to us and who rules over us. And His identity is explained by those titles which are mystical, but which move our hearts to faith, joy and wonder. Mary’s baby, born in Bethlehem, is not simply a heavenly visitor. He comes among us with a purpose, which is to save us from our sins.
In Jesus, Wonder-Counselor, resides the grace and infinite Wisdom of the Word of God. We are given to understand this even in our fallen nature, struggling with sin, temptation and simply human limitations of knowledge and right judgment. Christmas reminds
us to constantly turn to Jesus and ask for the help
to conform our souls and our vision of the world to
His own.
The child to be born is then called God-Hero. As our savior, on our behalf, He defeats the evil one who held captive the human race since the fall of Adam and Eve. All our dramatic stories and films about heroes are as nothing when compared to the child born to bring us the offer of eternal life and the fulfillment of our human nature in heaven. His heroism is based in the total giving of His will to His Heavenly Father, and His sacrifice of Himself for us, even to death itself.
The child is called Father-Forever. Reflecting upon the manger scene in church or at home, we see in the baby Jesus the one who has come among us to care for us, to protect us, to provide for us in a special way that reveals our Heavenly Father. This providential care throughout our life, which comes in many ways and from many sources — including through our mother’s love and sacrifices — is highlighted centuries in advance of the Holy Night in the stable.
Perhaps the most impactful title given to the child in every age is that of Prince of Peace. In this broken world, the lack of peace is evident at every moment of history. Between nations, in families, among neighbors and even those who were formerly friends, the human race is plagued by a lack of peace.
At times, that lack of peace can be manifested in violence, especially with the powerful dominating the weak. In our own time we are so aware of the violence in Ukraine and in the Holy Land. The recent horrific shooting in Australia makes us ask: When will this ever end?
But the lack of peace can be manifested in arguments or in our political and social discourse that often offends the dignity and respect owed to every person.
Pope Leo has written his Message for the World Day of Peace, Jan. 1, 2026. There he states, “The mystery of the Incarnation, which reaches its deepest descent even to the realm of the dead, begins in the womb of a young mother and is revealed in the manger in Bethlehem. ‘Peace on earth,’ sing the angels, announcing the presence of a defenseless God, in whom humanity can discover itself as loved only by caring for him (cf. Lk 2:13-14).”
What awe, what reverence, what peace of heart we should feel at Christmas. “Today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” (Lk 2:11). A very blessed Christmas to all!
