Jesus is described as our "Wonderful Counselor," a title that goes far beyond the modern sense of being simply helpful or wise. In the biblical context, "wonderful" means incomprehensible, awe-inspiring, and beyond human understanding. Jesus is the one who brings light into our darkness, who knows us intimately, and who guides us with perfect wisdom and love. When we dwell on who He is, we are filled with wonder and gratitude, realizing that He is both infinitely powerful and deeply personal. Let your heart be stirred again by the truth that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor who walks with you, understands you, and leads you into life. [52:07]
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: When was the last time you paused to marvel at Jesus as your Wonderful Counselor? What would it look like to intentionally seek His counsel in a decision you are facing this week?
God’s promise through Isaiah was that a great light would shine on those living in deep darkness, and this was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. No matter how dark the world or our own hearts may seem, Jesus is the light that breaks through, bringing hope, joy, and freedom. The darkness of sin, despair, and oppression is shattered by His coming, and we are invited to step into His light and live as people of hope. Even when the world feels overwhelming, remember that the dawn has come, and Jesus is the light that cannot be extinguished. [51:35]
Isaiah 9:1-2 (ESV)
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
Reflection: Where do you see darkness in your life or in the world right now? How can you invite Jesus, the Light, to shine in those places today?
The prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled in Jesus, who began His ministry in Galilee, bringing the kingdom of heaven near and calling people to repentance. This fulfillment is not just a historical fact but a living reality—Jesus is the Savior who steps into our story, bringing hope and transformation. The government and peace He brings are already at work in the world and in our lives, even as we wait for their fullness. We are called to recognize the evidence of His reign and to open our hearts to His rule, allowing His justice, mercy, and grace to shape us. [53:54]
Matthew 4:12-17 (ESV)
Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Reflection: In what ways have you seen Jesus fulfill His promises in your life? How can you respond to His call to “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” today?
We were created to live in wonder, to be continually amazed by who God is and what He has done. Like children who are captivated by the newness and beauty of life, we are invited to approach God with awe and enthusiasm. Life’s worries, distractions, and disappointments can dull our sense of wonder, but the Holy Spirit empowers us to marvel at Jesus again and again. Take time to remember the moments when God has moved in your life, and let your heart be drawn into fresh wonder at His love, grace, and power. [01:01:39]
Psalm 77:14 (ESV)
You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.
Reflection: Recall a specific moment when you were filled with wonder at God. What practical step can you take today to recapture that sense of awe and gratitude?
Every day, we are faced with choices and decisions, and the voices we listen to shape the direction of our lives. The world offers many counselors, but only Jesus is the perfect Counselor who knows us completely, loves us unconditionally, and always leads us in truth. He is Emmanuel, God with us, and He invites us to bring our confusion, pain, and questions to Him. As we choose to seek His counsel above all others, we find guidance, peace, and the assurance that we are never alone. [01:19:11]
James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been seeking advice from sources other than Jesus? How can you intentionally turn to Him as your Counselor this week?
What a joy it is to gather together and reflect on the life and vibrancy that God is stirring among us. This past week has been a beautiful testimony of the body of Christ serving with enthusiasm and joy, a living picture of what it means to be a people filled with the Spirit. As we begin our new series based on Isaiah 9:6, we are reminded that the names given to Jesus—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—are not just for Christmas, but are truths to anchor our lives in every season.
The heart of our focus today is on Jesus as our “Wonderful Counselor.” The enemy’s oldest tactic is to undermine our understanding of who God is and what He thinks of us. This was true in the garden with Eve, and it remains the battleground of our faith today. If we lose sight of God’s true character, or forget how He sees us, our spiritual foundation begins to erode. Isaiah’s prophecy came in a time of deep darkness, yet it pointed to a hope that would break through not only the external oppression of Israel, but the internal darkness of our own hearts.
Jesus fulfills this prophecy in every way. Though the fullness of His government is not yet visible in the world’s broken systems, we see glimpses of His reign wherever lives are transformed, justice and mercy coexist, and people are filled with hope and joy. His kingdom is alive and working, often quietly, as we open our hearts to His rule.
To call Jesus “Wonderful” is to acknowledge that He is beyond our comprehension—He fills us with awe and childlike wonder. Too often, we lose this sense of wonder as we grow weary or distracted by life’s burdens. Yet, we are invited to marvel again, to see with fresh eyes the beauty of who He is and what He has done. The stories of people in our own community—those who have been transformed, who serve with zeal, who are amazed that God would use them—remind us of the wonder of salvation and the privilege of being part of God’s work.
As “Counselor,” Jesus is the one who truly knows us, who guides us with perfect wisdom, and who is always with us. In a world full of competing voices and counterfeit counsel, He alone leads us into light and truth. Our challenge is to dwell on His character, to let our hearts be stirred to wonder, and to allow Him to be the one who shapes our decisions and our lives.
Isaiah 9:1-7 (ESV) —
> 1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
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> 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
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> 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
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> 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
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> 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.
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> 6 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.
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> 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
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