Advent: Everlasting Father

"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..."

Isaiah 9:6

The child born for us, the wonderful counselor and mighty God, is also everlasting father. Everlasting is eternal, continuous, for all time and before. He has always existed and will continue to exist. I am also reminded of Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." What assurance there is in the reminder that our savior is forever utterly trustworthy and reliable.

"Everlasting" describes the next term: Father. Such a beautiful word to apply to Jesus. God is described as father all throughout the Old and New Testaments. God as father guides and protects and loves. He is faithful to his children. Thus the phrase "Everlasting Father" holds a double sense of loyalty. The everlasting son is always existent, completely reliable, a faithful father. The Everlasting Father is complete assurance of never being abandoned.

Whatever you are facing, whatever this season holds, you are not set adrift. The child born for you is always present. He will not leave you or forsake you. He cares for you as a loving father, protecting and guiding. Remember no matter what that you will always matter to him and he will always care for you.