“For to us a child is born” Isaiah 9:6a, ESV

Abraham and Sarah set off from home barren, but pursuing God’s plan. He had promised the impossible: a son. Their hope lay in God’s faithfulness.

Nine years later, still childless and eighty-four years old, Abraham complained about the delay. God pointed him to the stars one night and said, “That’s how many your offspring will be.” Still, Abraham and Sarah waited sixteen more years for the child, Isaac, who fulfilled the improbable pledge.

The Lord wasn’t finished promising. More than 1300 years after Isaac’s birth, Isaiah prophesied God’s promise of a Child for the whole world. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; … and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, ESV).

And it took 700 years before this promise’s fulfillment. Like Abraham two millennia before, men sat outside gazing at the stars. Suddenly, angels surrounded these shepherds, proclaiming the good news of the promised Child, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14, ESV) God’s promise realized.

The faithful Creator promised an Heir, through whom He promised a people, for whom He promised a Savior, from Whom He promised peace.
Lord, no matter how long Your timeline, help me trust You because Your promises and plans for me are sure.

written by Susan Macias

(Years based on https://biblehub.com/timeline/)