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

The rich smell of Douglas fir fills my nose as it wafts through the air. The white lights from the Christmas tree catch my eye. Watching the glowing beauty surrounded by the darkness outside my home, calms my spirit and gives serenity to my heart.

Knowing what the tree represents––the celebration of our Savior’s birth––and the fulfilled promise of the peace it stands for, reminds me of the familiar verse in Isaiah 9:6.

The prophet Isaiah foretold Jesus’ birth and revealed the great gift His coming to earth would provide. The ultimate gift of all we need to make it through this life––Jesus Himself!

Friend, if you’ve come to this Christmas season (and the end of another year) filled with uncertainties, unanswered prayers, and unmet expectations, join me in sinking deep into how Jesus fulfills the promise for all we need.

Let’s unpack four names of Jesus and how they point us to find our true joy, hope, and peace in Him this holiday season.

1 - Wonderful Counselor

The Hebrew word for “Counselor” is yâʻats and means “advise; consult; guide.” Jesus is the supreme Counselor who is the most qualified to give us counsel and advise us.

When we’re trapped in grief, overwhelmed by pain, or drowning in despair, we can run to the Lord for comfort, help, and healing. He is our Counselor, Guide, and Friend. With Him, we have all the marvelous wisdom we need.

2 - Mighty God

The Hebrew word for “mighty” is gibbôr, meaning “powerful; champion; strong; valiant.” And the Hebrew word for God is El and means “Almighty; the Strong One.” Together these words reveal Jesus to be the Mighty Almighty, or the conquering God.

When life seems out of control, our resources depleted, and we don’t have the strength to face the task before us, Jesus is our strength. He is our Great Defender. We can call on His name and trust that no power on earth (or hell) can stand against Him.

3 - Everlasting Father

God is the Father of eternity; the One who created the plan for the ages; and the Father of all time. Jesus and the Father are the same in the holy Trinity and we can rely on Him to provide our needs as a gracious Father.

When we feel unseen, unheard, and unloved, we can trust God is our loving Father who welcomes us. He is the perfect One who comforts, provides, and protects us through all of life’s heartaches. No circumstance in our lives exists where He isn’t in control or isn’t aware of what’s happening.

The Lord formed us in our mothers’ wombs and cares about every detail of our lives (Ps. 139:13). Our Father knows our past, present, and He goes ahead of us to secure our future.

4 - Prince of Peace

The Hebrew word for “prince” is sar, meaning “captain; chief; keeper; ruler; steward.” And the Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom, meaning “safe; well; happy; welfare.

Adding these words together, we can rest in knowing Jesus is our safe Ruler. In Him, we find happiness, safety, and welfare because He is the Captain of our lives and will ultimately lead us to peaceful shores.

When fear and anxiety grip our minds––and unsettle our hearts––Jesus offers peace. Jesus Himself is peace who dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. We can find rest for our bodies, souls, and minds by welcoming (and walking in) His presence.

Friend, this Christmas (and throughout the year) let’s focus on who Jesus is––and the great gifts He has given us. Warm your heart by enjoying the twinkling lights on the tree and smell the lovely scents of the season.

But most of all, find comfort in our perfect Counselor, Almighty God, loving Father, and Peace-Giver. He is our everything!

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for Your overwhelming love for me. Help me run to You for wisdom, protection, recognition, and peace. Fill my heart with comfort as I focus on the gift of Your presence. I will trust You to be my everything now and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.