A Real Hero

A Real Hero

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.

The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His government and its peace will never end.

He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.

The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

Isaiah 9:6-7

When you’re really in trouble, you want someone strong to show up to save you—a real hero. And as people living in this world, we are really in trouble, really in need of someone who can save us from our slavery to sin. And God sent someone to save us. But this Savior didn’t seem strong. He seemed ordinary and weak. God sent us a Savior in the form of a baby.

The prophet Isaiah assured us that was no ordinary baby, and he grew up to be no ordinary man. As the Wonderful Counselor, he has the best ideas and strategies; he’s the wisest and most perfect teacher. If we listen to him, we’ll know what to do. It is good that he is strong and mighty, because the enemy of sin overpowers us. As the Mighty God, he uses his power on our behalf, helping us overcome sin. We can find protection in him when we’re tempted. As the Everlasting Father, he cares for us lovingly, with affection that has no limits. We can entrust ourselves to him. As the Prince of Peace, he invites us into his Kingdom of full and perfect happiness, giving us the assurance of safety and security. If we submit to him, we will live lives of blessed obedience to him.

Who could ask for more at Christmas than a baby who became our strong deliverer and our source of security and satisfaction forever?

DISCUSSION STARTERS

How are the heroes in some of your favorite stories like Jesus?

Why do you think God chose to have the powerful Savior come to earth in the form of a helpless baby?

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. How is each one of these names a special gift to you personally? Which one do you especially need in your life right now?