Isaiah 9:6 Series

Our children's Christmas play at church this year is centered around Isaiah 9:6 
We've all heard the verse especially at this time of year, but this week I would like to elaborate on the names given to Jesus.  I need to remember this every day of the year, especially during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.  Check back daily for the new posts discussing this verse.

Wonderful Counselor:  I think that every word in the bible is jam packed with meaning and purpose.  I don't think anything is there by mistake.  So the fact that Wonderful Counselor is the first name given to Jesus isn't by accident.  I can't speak for anyone else but in my life I need a Wonderful Counselor...wait actually I can speak for everyone else because Jesus wouldn't have been given that name if He didn't have the capabilities to fit the job description.

I love watching Dr. Phil.  I know not everyone shares this belief but I think he gives good, solid, honest, advice.  I call my Ma and aunts several times during the week not just to talk to  but to get advice.  My Ma has raised many a child so she is usually my go-to for parenting tips and tricks.  My Aunts have always been my "soft place to land" no matter how big I've messed up, or how crappy I am feeling they always have the ability to lift my spirits and make me feel better.  During our infertility struggles Aunt Susan (Allen's aunt) has been my go-to person for the feelings and experiences that accompany this journey. 

Reaching out and seeking advice and counsel is important.  What is even more important is making sure we seek out wise counsel.  I am very guilty of taking advice from people who do not have the credentials to guide me in the direction I need to go.  We all have people in our life who offer us their advice and opinions who truly have no clue what they are talking about.  Someone who tells you how to raise your children when they don't have any, Someone telling you how to handle your marriage when they has never gone through what your going through, Kirstie Alley giving weight loss advice...OPPS!  That one just slipped out! 
Anyway I have to constantly remind myself who is the "wise counsel" in my life, and who isn't.  But it doesn't end at seeking out wise counsel we then have to follow through with the advice given.  That is the hard part.  Sometimes the best advice is the hardest to follow.  As for the worst advice?  It is usually easy to follow. 

So how does the tiny baby born in a manger in the city of David play into all this?  He was born into this world to be our all accessible Wonderful Counselor. 

“The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” Isaiah 11:2 (NKJV)

Jesus doesn't hold 9-5 business hours.  You never need to set up an appointment.  There isn't anything you are going through that Jesus doesn't have the ability to help you through.  He has all the credentials to fit this title.

He understands your struggles
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

It is my hope and constant prayer that I never forget, or take for granted that Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor.  There isn't anything He can't help me through.  Jesus cares for me and asks I turn all my worries over to him. 

This year as I try and focus on the wonder of the Christmas story I want to center my thoughts around who the baby in the manger really is, what He came to do, and what He is still doing in my life.