Names are important. The first recorded task of humanity was to give names to the animals. Jesus gives a new name to some of his disciples – most famously Peter (which means “stone”). Revelation talks about Jesus giving a reward of a white stone with a new and intimate name.
In one of the most famous biblical prophecies of the Christmas Advent, Isaiah uses names to celebrate just how amazing is the human appearance of Jesus, God come In flesh. Isaiah spoke this approximately seven hundred years prior to its happening.
“Wonderful counselor” includes an amazing and an incredible promise. God will not leave us alone to figure everything out by ourselves. Jesus will counsel us. And He is wonderful at it. There is an inference of the role of The Holy Spirit, who is our “helper”, in this name. Jesus suffered as we suffer, and understands what it is like to struggle. He has been there, done that, and can lead us to find our destiny.
“Mighty God” is about as clear as a name can be. The Lord of power and goodness. There are few stronger statements that clarify Jesus’ claim to divinity than this name – except maybe “Eternal father”.
“Prince of Peace” is amazing as well – Jesus will eventually advent a government that will bring peace on earth. In the meanwhile, Jesus is the source of inner peace.
These names represent some vital truths about the fundamental nature of Jesus. He is God come down to earth to do all these things on our behalf. Jesus is Mighty God, and came for us, to counsel us, and bring us peace.
It started with a birth. But that was just the beginning of something spectacular. It was all predicted by name.
Christmas is one of the most clear opportunities to lean into the reality of Christ in the world. During this Advent season, Yellow Balloons invites you into a five-part devotional series on the meaning, value, and opportunity of Christmas. We pray it awakens you to the truth and beauty of Jesus Christ.
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
–Isaiah 9:6