Session 5

For Unto Us a Child

From Join the Chorus!

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6

In 1741, George Frederick Handel composed Messiah, a three-hour oratorio he wrote in its entirety in only 24 days. We recognize Handel’s Messiah by its most famous song, “The Hallelujah Chorus.” Handel includes a short chorus based on Isaiah 9:6 called, “For Unto Us a Child Is Born. ” It consists of male and female voices joyfully singing the phrase, “And the government shall be upon his shoulders,” in a constant, unbroken chorus. Handel perfectly captures the heart of Isaiah’s prophecy. 

Isaiah wrote his Messianic prophecy of peace one hundred years before Israel’s Babylonian captivity and six hundred and fifty years before the Roman occupation of Israel. No government institution or political leader holds the key to peace. According to this prophecy, peace and perfect rule would come from God alone. 

Peace is more than the absence of war. The beginning of our peace is the birth of the Christ-child. Peace is the presence of Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 serves as our compass to peace. When we lose our way, it serves to point us in hope’s direction. The reign of Christ’s peace has come and will stand forever. We join with the chorus both old and new singing, “For unto us a child is born.” Hallelujah! Jesus shall reign forever and ever as King of kings and Lord of lords!