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.
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
Most years, I get super caught up in all the responsibilities that come with the Christmas season. It’s an easy thing to have happen—all the gifts, parties, kid’s activities, baking, coordinating the calendar, decorating, and finding the matching family pajamas. I have often found that the joy and peace of Christmas are lost. I wanted this year be different. The first Sunday of December we sang an old Christmas hymn that has been at the forefront of my mind all month long—For Unto Us A Child Is Born—song that I have sung many times, but this time it hit differently. I don’t really know if it’s my age or the crazy things that life has thrown our way this year, but this song brought tears to my eyes. Four names have been a comfort to me that I would like to share with you as we enter the final days of Christmas.
1. Wonderful Counselor
These days, people seek counselors, but since the beginning God knew that we would need a counselor. So, he sent us one, but not just any counselor—a wonderful counselor—an unusually good, better-than-good counselor. How many times has He given us everything we have needed for guidance and clarity in His Word? He has always been there to guide us and help us through any situation we face.
2. Mighty God
The God who possesses great and impressive power or strength, according to the dictionary. Not a lifeless god who is incapable of rescuing us from our own selves, but one who fights on our behalf. The God who would calm the raging storm and defeat death in a nontraditional way. He does not need our help to carry out His plan, but we certainly need His strength daily.
3. Everlasting Father
Some of us may have a distorted view of a father because we live in a sinful world, but Jesus is the perfect Father who has loved us unconditionally. His role as the perfect Father, or priest, will last forever, not just while we are on Earth, but for eternity in Heaven. He calls us His own and forever wants to have that tender caring relationship with us.
4. Prince of Peace
This year has been filled with fearful moments for all of us—tragic loss, school shootings, political hatred, and war. Yet, during all of that, there is a Prince (the Son of the Sovereign King) who comes bringing peace. What a marvelous gift to give to us! Of all the things He could bring us, the Prince brings us peace. Oh, how He knew what we would need before we could voice it!
This Christmas let us not forget all that this beautiful baby brought to us—wise counsel, great power and strength, a never-ending relationship with us in His care, and peace from a prince. There is no other gift I could ask for this Christmas season. God’s perfect child was given to us when we didn’t even know we would need it.
Thank you, Jesus. Merry Christmas!
Bee-Attitude
Blessed are those who are comforted by the Savior this Christmas season.
Honey Teal
Honey Teal is the wife of Pastor Jason Teal of First Baptist Church of Barnesville, mother to four girls, and a kindergarten assistant teacher. She loves being with her family and friends and spending time outdoors, especially on the soccer field. Honey enjoys listening to music, reading, camping, and working on puzzles. More important than that, she finds her identity in Jesus, who has made her into the woman she has become.
