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Devotional | Cindy Western | Dec 5, 2020
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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
We have a tradition in our family of exchanging personalized Christmas ornaments—capturing special events, interests, hobbies, or current trends. We also have homemade ornaments and framed pictures of family. My husband and I have six kids, so our ornament collection is, well, let’s just say it takes several large tubs to store them. Every year, as I unwrap the carefully stored treasures, memories of when the kids were little flood my mind. Each of our sons and daughters is so unique, different from their siblings in so many ways (even the twins), but one thing they all had in common is the look of wonder in their young eyes at Christmastime. They were completely enraptured by Christmas lights, their eyes open so wide you could see the reflection of the glow in them. And, on Christmas morning after waiting on the stairs before getting the “all clear,” they would round the corner to get their first glimpses of their gifts, fulfillment of whispered lists to a mall Santa. Oohs and awes, along with squeals of delight, overwhelmed our home.
When the prophet Isaiah brought the message of the coming Savior, he proclaimed this Savior would be called Wonderful Counselor. Some Scripture translations of this passage put a comma between the words Wonderful and Counselor. Either way, the word “wonderful” was used intentionally to describe Jesus. His birth, his counsel and guidance, his life and ministry, his death and resurrection, his very nature, are Wonderful. Jesus performed miracles: healed the sick, brought the dead to life, restored reputations, loved the unloved and unlovable, promoted the downtrodden, elevated the poor, forgave the sinners. His role of counselor is both unique and complete. God the Son, filled with the Holy Spirit, delivers the wisdom of the Father. Our response—the only right response—is one of wonder, like children overwhelmed with bewildered expectation that is surpassed only by the joy of realized fulfillment.
Our children are now grown. The wonder of Christmas decorations and gifts has dimmed over the years. That’s normal. Some of the mystery and novelty is gone. However, the everyday works of Jesus in our lives should not become mundane or routine. Our experience of Jesus as Wonderful Counselor cannot be dimmed or diminished. His presence and counsel are constantly renewed, mysterious, awesome, and full of wonder.
cwestern@crossings.church
How has the word “wonderful” become overused and undervalued in our culture? What synonyms do you think capture the meaning as used in Isaiah 9:6?
What discipline do you typically use to seek counsel from the Lord? (prayer, study, Bible reading, journal, godly mentors, etc.) Consider going outside your comfort zone and adding one or two new disciplines this week, and be mindful of this new experience.
Wonderful Counselor,
I pray I will experience you and your presence with childlike wonder this season and always. Remind me of the wisdom of your counsel. Lead me, guide me, and convict me in your gentle ways.
Amen.