Isaiah 9 paints a picture of hope breaking into darkness. Written during a time of political instability, fear, and suffering, the prophet speaks of a coming King who would bring light where there was gloom, joy where there was oppression, and peace without end. This promised child would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The title Mighty God is especially striking. The Hebrew word Isaiah uses means “hero.” Isaiah is pointing to a Hero God.

We love heroes. Our culture proves it. From blockbuster movie franchises to timeless stories, we are drawn to characters who stand up against chaos and evil. The reason is simple: heroes reflect our deepest longings. They are relatable. They face fear, loss, injustice, and suffering - things we all know well - and they do something about it.

Judah knew this longing deeply. In the eighth century BC, the nation was surrounded by enemies and eventually overtaken by the Assyrian Empire. Poor leadership led to spiritual compromise, injustice, and suffering, especially among the most vulnerable. God raised up Isaiah to warn the people and to promise that a better King was coming; a Hero who would withstand the darkness and make things right.

For centuries, God’s people clung to that promise. They endured empire after empire: Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome... still waiting. Where was the Hero God Isaiah foretold?

Then Jesus arrived.

Not as anyone expected. Born to an unwed mother, in an obscure town, laid in a feeding trough. No army. No palace. No spectacle. And yet, as his life unfolded, it became clear that something extraordinary was happening. Jesus healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, cast out demons, forgave sins, and spoke of God’s kingdom as if he himself were its King. He claimed unity with God, even saying, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.”

But the true test of heroism came when evil threw everything it had at him. Jesus was betrayed, abandoned, falsely accused, mocked, beaten, humiliated, and crucified. Every form of injustice and suffering was inflicted upon him. And yet, he did not retaliate. He responded with forgiveness and love.

From a human perspective, it looked like defeat. The disciples thought the movement was over. They went back to their old lives.

Until three days later.

Jesus rose from the dead.

In that moment, everything changed. The Hero God was revealed; not one who avoids suffering, but one who enters it, absorbs it, and overcomes it. By walking out of the grave, Jesus defeated sin and death, humanity’s greatest enemies.

This is why Christians call Jesus “Mighty God.” He is the Hero who stood firm when everything was thrown at him. And He is still standing.

That is the hope of Christmas. God did not stay distant. He came near. He overcame darkness not with violence, but with love. And he promises that one day, everything that is broken will be made right.

That is the Hero we need. And that is who Jesus is.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Zac