Who Is This Child?

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FLUSHING – Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the lights, the decorations, the family gatherings, the carols, and, of course, the presents! But if we’re honest, it’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement and miss the true reason for the season. This year, I’ve been reflecting on a simple but profound question: Who is this Child?

The Bible speaks of a baby born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, and we say we celebrate His birth every Christmas. But how often do we pause and truly ask ourselves, Who is this Child?

Isaiah 9:6 offers us an extraordinary description:

“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

Have you ever stopped to reflect on the depth of these four titles and what they reveal about Jesus?

Wonderful Counselor

Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, the one who guides us through every step of our lives. No matter what challenges we face—today or tomorrow—He is there to provide wisdom and direction. His guidance is not just good; it is perfect. When we feel lost or overwhelmed, we can trust that He knows the way and is eager to lead us.

Mighty God

Jesus is also our Mighty God. This is not just about strength; it’s about unmatched power and authority. He is mighty to save, mighty to deliver, and mighty to heal. Life can throw unimaginable difficulties our way, but Jesus is greater than anything we will ever face. With Him living in us, we, too, can overcome. His might assures us that no situation is too big for His intervention.

Eternal Father

As our Eternal Father, Jesus provides love, comfort, and care that far surpasses anything an earthly parent can offer. Perhaps you’ve been blessed with a wonderful earthly father who supported and encouraged you. Or maybe your experience has been very different. Regardless, Jesus is the Father we all long for—the one who holds us close, protects us, and provides for us in ways only He can. His love is constant, unwavering, and eternal.

Prince of Peace

Finally, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. True peace—the kind that surpasses all understanding—comes only through Him. The world offers temporary peace, a fleeting calm that fades as difficulties arise. But the peace Jesus gives endures. It sustains us in hard times, reminding us that we are not alone and that He is in control. His peace doesn’t depend on our circumstances; it flows from His presence in our lives.

Reflecting on the Child

Christmas is a time to reflect on who this Child truly is and what He means to you personally. His birth was not just a historical event; the moment of Emmanuel where God came to dwell among us, offering salvation, hope, and eternal life.

How do you need to see Him this Christmas? Do you need a Wonderful Counselor to guide you, a Mighty God to strengthen you, an Eternal Father to comfort you, or a Prince of Peace to calm your heart? The beauty of Jesus is that He is all these things and more—if you will trust Him.

This Christmas let’s not rush past the manger without taking a moment to ponder its significance. Let’s slow down and worship the One who came to change our lives forever. Jesus is not just a baby in a nativity scene; He is our Savior, our King, and the answer to every need we face.

So, who is this Child? He is everything we could ever hope for, and so much more. May you experience the fullness of His love and presence this Christmas season.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ed Emmerling is the Executive Director of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM). Ed was privileged to be the pastor of Westside Church Flushing since 2002. Ed and his wife Reneé have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.

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