What's in a Name 1: Wonderful Counselor - Isaiah 9:1-7

What's in a name?" In Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", Juliet is separated from Romeo because of a blood feud and he bears the wrong family name. In her mind, if he had a different name, he'd be the same person but the wall separating them would be gone. "What's in a name" - the name is nothing. But in the Christmas story, for the person of the Christ, the name is everything. During advent, I want to walk through this piece in Isaiah 9 where he says this child will be known by four names. Each describes a different piece of his activity, how he saves, what he is to those who look to him. Each reflects his heart. None are interchangeable or optional. His name, he says, will be Wonderful Counselor. His name will be Mighty God. His name will be Everlasting Father and his name will be Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. What's in a name? You come to the Christ, the name is everything. Advent reading: Luke 1:26-38 Preacher: Bill Dyck