Isaiah reminded a disheartened people, who felt abandoned, that “…a child is born…a son is given…And he will called…Everlasting Father…” (Isa. 9:6). That’s a puzzling name for a baby in a manger. Why would this intelligent spiritual leader eight centuries before the birth of Jesus say such a thing? Why would Messiah be given the name “Everlasting Father” or more literally, “Father of Eternity?” Can a father last forever? In my case and Jeannie McCormick’s case and many of your cases, the answer, at least for now, is “No.”
Isaiah made the point, however, that no matter what comes to anybody in life, nothing can impede the abiding presence of God. This sagacious forth-teller of old wants us to realize that Messiah has an everlasting purpose and that purpose is embodied in this name. The name, “Everlasting Father,” is associated with God’s provision for His people. Thus, the lighting of the Candle of Provision on this Third Sunday of Advent. God’s provision brings us great joy and so in this name one may recognize an elation that forms one of the central themes for Advent.
One of the Hebrew names bestowed upon God is “Yahweh” or “Adonai El Olam” – “the Lord, Everlasting God.” The writer of Genesis made the observation that Abraham worshipped at Beersheba after making a treaty with Abimelech. The text in Gen. 21:33 notes that Abraham worshipped “the eternal Lord God.” In the second section of Isaiah, the Prophet calls Him the “Eternal God” in 40:28. In third section of Isaiah, the prophet declares that the Lord is a “Father” in 63:16 and 64:8. Jeremiah emphasizes that God desires to be a Father to His people in Jer. 3:19: “I have always wanted to treat you as my children and give you the best land, the most beautiful on earth. I wanted you to call me ‘Father’ and not turn from me.” Sadly, His children did turn from Him. In the New Testament, and especially in the Gospel of John, one can readily observe that God is viewed as a Father.
Messiah is constantly taking care of those who are related to Him. None of us can say we don’t want or need some sort of emotional care. We need the assurance of physical touch, an embrace, a word that will uplift, and one that reminds us that Another is there for us. Even though little children may lose a parent or parents in death, even though big children may lose a parent or parents in death, even though some children in this world grow up parent-less for whatever reason, God is there to provide.