It's pretty amazing to think about the prophecies made by Isaiah regarding the birth and life of Christ long before He came to earth.  Especially as we draw nearer to Christmas, it's incredible to read some of these words:

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

What must the people have thought when they heard these words spoken by Isaiah?  Wonderful Counselor?  Mighty God?  Everlasting Father?  Prince of Peace?  These are hardly the words used to describe an infant.  It's easy to see why Israel was so excited for the birth of this King, for even today the prospect of such a person gives us reason to rejoice.  But instead of expecting a suffering servant, they were expecting a political ruler – someone who would take down Rome and revive Israel.  Jesus came to earth not to make a political move or to prove a point, but to ransom His life for the world and to make a difference.  Is your heart prepared to receive Him this Christmas?