Divine Wisdom

Something Wonderful to Consider This Christmas

When our children were little, we were gifted an Adornaments set. The set of 12 ornaments include names for Jesus, with a description to be read and an accompanying verse from the Bible. Each family member takes a turn reading an ornament and then placing it on the tree. It's become a memorable tradition to me, and I hope it is as well for my family. Many Advent seasons have found us reflecting on titles like Bread of Life, Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, Lamb of God, and Immanuel. All of these word pictures have taught me tremendously about the riches of Christ's character and the purpose of His mission and message.

This Advent, as I read through Isaiah, I came to chapter 9, and read this familiar, Messianic verse:

For unto 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 four names given to the coming Messiah here, my heart landed on just one.

Wonderful Counselor.

The Hebrew for this phrase consists of the words pele’ and yo'etz. Together, they explain to us how perfectly suited Jesus was (and still is) as a helper and guide. Pele’ means unusually beyond the capability of man, and thus points us to the divine nature of our Savior.

There were a few reasons why this particular prophetic reference really caused me to pause and look longer. First, it was interesting to me that this name was included amongst the others, and that it was listed first. Contextually, Isaiah was delivering harsh news to the Israelites, one of destruction and invasion. But in the midst of the gloom of bad news was the light of God's love, the promise of mercy. A child was coming who would be the ultimate heir to David's throne. Of all the things He would be and all the things He would do, He would also be the best counselor a guy or gal could ever ask for. Though that might seem out of place amongst saving the world from sin and darkness and reigning forever, it nestles in quite nicely. After all, He saves us from our own sinful selves, and He is our rightful leader. He is both “willing and able” to save us and to direct us down the path of righteousness. That's what great leaders do. They make decisions that will protect us. They teach us how to live our lives. They correct us when we're wrong. We benefit from their wisdom, and take solace in their concern.

Second, I just see an enormous need for counsel in our world. In my personal life, I have a lot of responsibilities, difficulties, and challenges. Lots of heartache. Lots of sin. Lots of worries. Lots of decisions. I always need His help and instruction. Being a minister's wife and a mom and a homeschooler all find me falling into His arms on the regular, and opening His Word. Prayers flow out if desperation more often than I'd like to admit. There are also many times where God teaches me from a passage unexpectedly, or brings to fruition and maturity something that He's been sowing in my Christian walk for years.

Panning out from my own circumstances, I see suicide, depression, anxiety, acting out towards others, and general callousness on the rise. Our youth are particularly vulnerable, especially in this internet age. So much uncertainty seems to loom. Even good news can carry with it that feeling that bad news will trail right behind it. When discussing the state of things with my kids last week, I implored them to always look to Jesus. He has answers and comfort and hope that surpass the weight of any worldly thing pressing on us.

I don't know what all you're going through, or how well you're handling it. Maybe you're in a really great place in life right now, and things are going well for you. Even in “easy” times, we need the Lord's wisdom in making decisions and in living our lives. Trust Him. Seek His precepts.

Maybe you're facing financial difficulties, health problems, marital distress, or other challenges. Perhaps you're lonely or fearful. It's seems so elementary to say this, but Jesus is here for you. Go to Him. Rest in Him. Let His joy be your strength each hour, each day. That's what I'm trying to do. And really, it's far from elementary. To have the counsel of God Himself is so profound that it's pele’.

There is a sense in which we are surrounded by people that know and love us. There is also a sense in which each person walks this journey of life individually.

This is my Christmas greeting to you. I pray that you will see afresh and anew that He can and will be with you, and you will embrace that truth deeply.

Our Wonderful Counselor has come!

Merry Christmas.