Wonderful Counselor
Hello friends, Merry Christmas! It's that time of year when these two words bring forth an abundance of joy, excitement, and anticipation for the upcoming Christmas season. The sparkling Christmas tree lights are adorning every corner, and many of you have ventured into your attics or closets, overflowing with all your Christmas decorations. Some may have even acquired brand-new decorations for this festive season. Amidst these well-intended boxes still nestled in your attics or closets, past year's decorations are waiting to be passed down to a child, friend, neighbor, or another family member - maybe a niece or nephew. We have an array of things among us to celebrate and infuse the spirit of Christmas into our homes.
Yet, there comes a moment when we rummage through our attics, storage spaces, or wherever our Christmas decorations are stored and uncover other things.
Recently, I found myself in our attic, tasked with bringing down the Christmas decorations. While up there, I stumbled upon a box that had slipped my mind. Inside it lay an old Bible – a black King James version with vibrant red-trimmed pages. I couldn't help but wonder about its origins. A heartfelt message was inscribed on the front page: "This Bible is given to Master Jeffrey Williamson, a one-year-old sweet baby boy from your Mama and Pa." As I flipped through its pages, I noticed several passages highlighted, likely by either my grandmother or grandfather. To my surprise, in Isaiah chapter 9:6, there was a notable highlight, just as it's written in the King James version. Our Advent and Christmas messages will center around revisiting this verse.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
And the government shall be upon his shoulder:
And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 is a pivotal prophecy in the Old Testament, unveiling four significant titles of the Messiah, each capturing His distinct and profound essence. Often heralded during Christmas, this verse illuminates Jesus' birth as the long-awaited Savior. Let's explore the meanings and significance behind the four names bestowed upon Christ in Isaiah 9:6:
Wonderful Counselor: This title encapsulates the exceptional wisdom and guidance Jesus, as the Messiah, embodies. He is the source of divine wisdom, offering unparalleled counsel that surpasses human understanding. In moments of uncertainty, Jesus serves as the guide, providing divine direction and insight to His followers. Isaiah 11:2 further accentuates Jesus' wisdom and counsel through the Spirit of the Lord.
Mighty God: Acknowledging the divinity of Jesus, this name declares His identity as not merely human but as the almighty God Himself. He manifests the fullness of God's power and strength, being the Creator and Sustainer of all things. As the Mighty God, He can redeem and save humanity. Isaiah 10:21 directly refers to Jesus as the "Mighty God," solidifying His divine and powerful nature.
Everlasting Father: This title signifies Jesus' eternal nature, portraying Him as the Father of eternity without a beginning or end. He embodies eternal life, love, and care, offering His followers an everlasting and intimate relationship. John 10:28-30 emphasizes Jesus' role in providing eternal security to His followers, cementing His identity as the Everlasting Father.
Prince of Peace: Jesus is recognized as the ultimate source of peace and reconciliation. He brings peace between humanity and God through His sacrifice, extending forgiveness of sins. Moreover, He grants inner peace to His followers, fostering tranquility amidst turmoil. As the Prince of Peace, He establishes a kingdom of righteousness and peace. Isaiah 53:5 highlights Jesus' redemptive work, showcasing how His sacrifice brings peace and healing.
Isaiah 9:6 offers a profound glimpse into Jesus' multifaceted role as the promised Messiah. These titles unveil His wisdom, divinity, eternal existence, and role as a peacemaker. They encapsulate the hope and salvation Jesus brings to the world, making Him central to Christian theology and a focal point of celebration during Christmas.