“and the government will be upon his shoulders” — Isaiah 9:6
When I was in college, I got a job loading trucks at UPS. It was bad enough that the job started at 3am, but to top it off the leader of the loading team made the job twice as hard. Quick to criticize and use demeaning gestures, our leader left the loading team demoralized.
Everything changed the day a new leader took charge. He treated everyone with respect. Instead of using fear or belittling, he gave constructive feedback and was quick to catch us doing well and praise us. Soon the entire work atmosphere was transformed from a nightmare (it was at 3am!) to a job I came to enjoy.
This newfound work culture proved crucial during the Christmas season at UPS. As the volume of packages swelled, so did the amount of time and energy needed to get through the season. Of course, we were not alone. For many, Christmas time is not so much a season of strolling through lights and sipping pumpkin spice lattes, but longer and more demanding work hours.
The business of this season roughly lines up with the observance of Advent. Advent is the four weeks before Christmas where Christians await the arrival of Christ. It is to be a season of anticipation, hope, and longing. But longing for what? A baby in a manger?
The prophet Isaiah adds content to our Advent longings:
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.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end. — Isaiah 9:6-7
Isaiah tells us the hope of Christ coming is about a change in leadership: Governing this world will fall on a new set of shoulders; a new kind of leader will emerge who knows how to produce not just new workspaces, but a new kind of world with expansive and enduring results (“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.”) In other words, Advent is about a long-needed change in administration.
There has never been a shortage of pundits telling us what makes for great leadership. Great leaders “understand the power of personal discipline,” they are “masters of communication,” great leaders display “emotional intelligence” and “play to their strengths.”
“Isaiah tells us the hope of Christ coming is about a change in leadership.”
Yet note Isaiah’s account of what makes this new leader eminently qualified. First, is his character. He is a “Wonderful Counselor” whose capacity for elegant solutions to real life problems will be a thing of marvel. Next, look at his person and power. This leader’s strength is inexhaustible, for he is Emmanuel, the “Mighty God” with us. Additionally, he is an “Everlasting Father” whose faithful leadership is marked by compassion and concern for those under him. Finally, Isaiah draws attention to the resulting benefits of his leadership. He is the “Prince of Peace” who brings harmonious order (shalom) where there is chaos and strife.
As many of our work lives become demanding during this busy Advent season may we look forward in anticipation to the leader of leaders this world deeply needs.
“Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel!”
Robert Covolo is a Cultural Theologian and Author of Fashion Theology. He is also on staff here at the Center for Faith + Work Los Angeles, serving as our Director of Vocational Discipleship.