When
I was in elementary school I was fascinated with a teacher by the name of
Bonnie Sue. Of course, everyone,
including me, called her, “Teacher.” Her
name wasn’t unusual, but it had meaning for me because she was a wonderful,
loving, caring teacher. What’s in a
name? A verse of Scripture that is read
and re-read every Christmas presents four names for Jesus which are not only
beautiful names but names that have great significance for all mankind. These names also help explain why He came to
this earth. “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,
Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
1)
Jesus is the Wonderful
Counselor. He not only came to give unusual help and
wise advice to everyone who wants to receive it, but He also delights in
providing this help for you and me. Are
you willing to receive counsel that He offers?
Read the Bible, His Word. Listen
to Him as you read and meditate.
Obediently do what He commands.
2)
Jesus is the Mighty
God. He has strength, power and might that is
unparalleled. Just imagine: this awesome
power of the God of the universe is available to you and me today. He is the source of strength to live day to
day whether we are going through the valleys of uncertainty or the mountains of
joy. Have you come to Him for strength
during a time of need? He wants you to
experience His might and His power.
3)
Our Lord is the
Everlasting Father. There is no beginning or end to Him so we can
count on Him no matter what the circumstances in which we find ourselves. He will not leave us. As a Father He is also a personal God in whom
we can find joy and delight. Have you
come to Christ and experienced His loving, caring hand? He always stands with open arms to receive
individuals into His forever family.
4)
He is the Prince of
Peace. He is quick to remove everything that
disturbs and disrupts peace while at the same time He provides calmness and
quiet assurance. Through Him we can have
the peace of God to calm us through uncertain circumstances and peace
with God whereby we become children of God through our personal faith and
trust in Him as our only Savior from sin.
Have you come to Him for both these kinds of peace?
What
is in a name? Lots. But in the name of Jesus there is contained
so much more than in any other name.
With Him there is fullness of joy forever more (Psalm 16:11). As you celebrate Christmas this year and as
you begin the new year, let Jesus be your Wonderful Counselor, your Mighty God,
Your Everlasting Father and your Prince of Peace.
