Wonderful Counselor

Isaiah 9:6-7 (New International Version)

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

One of the best parts of Handel's Messiah is set to these verses from Isaiah. Consider the contrast! The original Hebrew text was written in about the seventh century BC. Then translated to 17th century English. Finally, it was set to music written by an 18th century German immigrant to England. Not bad because it still sounds great. But it's nothing compared to the event it describes - the appearance of the creator of the universe as a baby born in a small Middle Eastern village.

Something to consider this and every Christmas.