His Name Shall Be Called — Wonderful Counselor

Isaiah 9:6 was written roughly seven hundred years before the manger, yet it names the coming child with precision. This Advent message examines one title— Wonderful Counselor —through three lenses: the psychological, the governmental, and the legal. As counselor, Jesus understands us because, according to Hebrews 2 and 4 , he was tempted in every way we are yet without sin; help comes with Christmas. As the ultimate advisor, his counsel is not merely wonderful but perfect, even when it is difficult and runs against the culture. As advocate, he is the attorney of 1 John 2:1-2 , the judge's own Son who steps forward to pay the penalty we could never afford. The honest question is who needs help this Christmas. Salvation, like help and counsel, comes freely at the expense of the Wonderful Counselor.