Wonderful Counselor
Isaiah 9:1-7
The Wonder of Advent: Embracing the Light of Christ
As we enter the season of Advent, we are reminded of the profound hope and joy that accompanies the coming of Christ. This time of year invites us to reflect on the incredible gift of Jesus – the light that pierces through the darkness of our world.
The prophet Isaiah spoke of this hope centuries before Jesus' birth: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." (Isaiah 9:2) These words resonate deeply with us today, as we too often find ourselves surrounded by the shadows of uncertainty, pain, and despair.
But Advent proclaims a powerful truth – light has come, and it continues to shine brightly in our midst. The birth of Jesus wasn't just a historical event; it was the dawning of a new era, the inauguration of God's kingdom breaking into our world. This child, this son given to us, carries the weight of divine purpose on his shoulders.
Isaiah's prophecy goes on to describe this coming Messiah with awe-inspiring titles: "And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) Each of these names reveals a facet of Christ's character and mission. Today, let's focus on what it means for Jesus to be our "Wonderful Counselor."
The term "wonderful" here goes far beyond our casual use of the word. It speaks of something that inspires marvel, that leaves us in awe. Jesus is wonderful in ways that defy our expectations and surpass our understanding. His life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection all point to a love and wisdom that is truly otherworldly.
As our counselor, Jesus offers guidance that goes beyond mere advice. He speaks words of life that transform hearts and renew minds. When we look at the Gospel accounts, we see Jesus consistently providing counsel that cut through religious pretense and societal norms to address the deepest needs of the human heart.
To the paralyzed man, Jesus offered forgiveness before physical healing – addressing the spiritual need that superseded the obvious physical one. To the woman caught in adultery, he extended grace and a call to new life, rather than condemnation. To his disciples arguing about greatness, he modeled servant leadership by washing their feet.
Jesus' counsel often came in the form of parables and teachings that continue to challenge and inspire us today. "Love your enemies," he said, pushing us beyond our natural inclinations. "Do not worry about tomorrow," he advised, inviting us into a life of trust. "Seek first the kingdom of God," he instructed, realigning our priorities.
The wonder of Christ's counsel is that it's not static or distant. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus continues to guide, comfort, and teach us. As he promised his disciples, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26)
This living, active presence of Christ as our wonderful counselor should radically shape how we approach life. It means we're never truly alone in our decision-making or our struggles. We have access to divine wisdom, if only we'll quiet our hearts to listen.
The Advent season calls us to cultivate this posture of listening and expectancy. Just as the shepherds were alert to the angel's proclamation and the wise men attentive to the star's guidance, we too must tune our hearts to recognize Christ's voice and leading in our lives.
But the wonder of Christ doesn't stop with personal guidance. The prophecy in Isaiah speaks of an ever-increasing government and peace, with justice and righteousness at its core. Jesus came to establish a kingdom, and as his followers, we're invited to participate in its expansion.
This kingdom operates on principles that often seem upside-down to our world's values. It's a place where the last become first, where enemies are loved, where true greatness is found in service. As we embrace Christ as our wonderful counselor, we begin to embody these kingdom values in our everyday lives.
The transformative power of Christ's counsel is evident throughout history. Consider the story of Saint Patrick, who was once a slave in Ireland. After encountering Christ, he returned to the very land of his captivity as a messenger of hope and freedom. His prayer beautifully captures the all-encompassing nature of Christ's presence:
"Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me."
This Advent, let's recapture the wonder of who Christ is. Let's marvel at the light he brings into our darkness, the counsel he offers in our confusion, and the kingdom he invites us to be part of. In a world that often feels chaotic and hopeless, Jesus stands as a beacon of joy, peace, and transformative love.
As we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ's first coming, let's also live in eager anticipation of his return. For one day, as the book of Revelation promises, God's dwelling will be fully with humanity. Every tear will be wiped away, and all things will be made new.
Until that day, we have the incredible privilege of being bearers of Christ's light and ambassadors of his wonderful counsel to a world in need. This Advent, may we be filled with contagious joy, overflowing with hope, as we embrace and share the wonder of Jesus – our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.