NOTES for Isa 9:5

Byenumerating symbolic names reflecting the purport of Whom will become for menChrist, the prophet Isaiah expresses very important things in his language. Itis important to listen to his words, because we don’t often see the gift of Godin Christ, since we wait not what God gives. The prophet says that Christ isWonderful; His coming is not subject to the laws of the created world and whatHe fulfills is inconceivable. "The counseller" - it means that Christbrings to the world the will of the Heavenly Father about the salvation of men and,certainly, the obedience to this will. Astounding is the name "mighty God"that the prophet adjoins to the descendant of David. Most likely Isaiah himselfdoesn’t understand it as we do: the Old Testament doesn’t contain an obviousrevelation that the Christ is Man-God, because men are unable of understandingthat. Involuntarily the prophet speaks here about what surpasses his ownunderstanding - and we hear the voice of the Spirit inspiring Isaiah. TheChrist is not simply a man, but also a God! In Him, therefore, enters into theworld the presence of the Invisible God and is surmounted the abyss separatingus from Him. And that’s why for men the Christ opens the eternal life; Isaiah callsHim "Everlasting Father". Finally, takes place the imperious entranceof eternity into human life, because the coming of Christ makes possible peace betweenus. Nothing is for the prophet a so characteristic sign of eternity, so characteristicsign of divine life, as peace. The government of Christ comes true inreconciliation, making peace. And beyond reconciliation there is no place onthe contrary for Him.