“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

(Isaiah 9:6 NIVUK)

Wonderful Counsellor

“And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor.” This isn’t suggesting that these will be the literal names of the Messiah. Rather, these are aspects of his character; they describe who is and what he came to do.

This aspect of Jesus’ nature in Isaiah’s prophesy is demonstrated again and again throughout the New Testament. Jesus ministered to ordinary people on the streets, seeking out the lost, the broken, the unwanted and rejected, the hurting and the outcast. That’s the nature of our Saviour; he is our Wonderful Counsellor, and he meets us right where we are.

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.”

(Hebrews 4:15 NLT)

Knowing the scorn and agony of the cross that was ahead of him, Jesus chose to became human. While remaining fully God, he humbled himself to become fully man; the King of Heaven, born in a dirty stable, grew up to experience every aspect of life for himself in order to identify with us. Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are—but He did not sin. He was perfect – spotless. In Jesus, we have someone who can deeply empathise with every struggle we face, and is willing to walk through them with us.

Think of your closest, wisest earthly friend and confidante. Well, Jesus is even closer! He not only empathises, but actually takes and bears our burdens when, in humility and honesty, we give them over to him. No one else can do this.

We might find ‘good counsel’ or great advice that offers temporary solutions in books, friends, or podcasts, but only Jesus offers true healing, growth, joy, and peace. Only Jesus gives life.

Jesus is God with us

Christmas can be a lonely time for many people; but when we know Jesus, we don’t have to face any part of life alone. Jesus our Immanuel is “God with us.”

In all our Christmas preparations, let’s remember to draw near to our Wonderful Counsellor and find peace in his lovely presence.

Jill 💜