Advent starts today. Advent—meaning arrival—is remembering Jesus’s first coming and anticipating his second.

My Advent ponderings this year are inspired by my recent study of Isaiah and one of the most beloved descriptions of the character of the Messiah.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Isaiah gave this prophecy to King Ahaz when his neighbors threatened war because he refused to join their alliance against a superpower. While Ahaz shook in fear, God (through Isaiah) offered four sons as signs of both immediate and future deliverance.

First, “Shear-Jashub” (Is 7:3) meant “a remnant will return” and promised that Ahaz and his people would never be totally destroyed. Then, “Immanuel” (7:14) assured that “God [is] with us,” against this immediate threat (but also in the future through the birth of Jesus). Next, “Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz” (8:3) promised “speed to the spoil, hurry to the plunder” meaning Ahaz would be safe because his attackers would fall prey to the bigger threat.

And finally, “An-extraordinary-counselor-is-the-warrior-God, the-everlasting-Father-is-an-official-for-well-being.”¹ (9:6) prophesied that “a son is given” to rule on David’s throne forever (9:7). This final son could only refer to Jesus, the child born to Mary of Nazareth whom we celebrate every Advent.

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Isaiah first describes the-son-to-be-born as WONDERFUL COUNSELOR.

He is not saying that this son/king will be marvelous (the English definition of wonderful). The Hebrew word here is wonder and its root refers to things that are beyond human capability and awaken astonishment.

Next Isaiah says calls him a counselor. Again, this doesn’t mean he’s a therapist (as in English) but rather an advisor or strategist. And Isaiah actually uses a verb meaning “to advise, deliberate, or plan.”

• Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor? (Is 40:13)
• Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.” (Is 29:14)

In sum, this son will astound and evoke wonder in all who encounter him. According to Dr. Ralph Wilson at JesusWalk, “This Son will possess counsel to be wondered at.”²

In his birth as a human, Mary pondered and the shepherds “spread the word” (Lk 2:17–20). The Magi “rejoiced exceedingly” and paid homage to him (Matt 2:10–11). At his teaching, “the crowds were amazed” (Matt 7:28). When he died, witnesses said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mk 15:39). After his resurrection, the women were “afraid yet filled with joy” and the disciples “clasped his feet and worshiped him” (Matt 28:8–9).

• In all he did people were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? (Matt 8:27)
• Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? (Rom 11:34)

Many times over the years, I’ve turned to the Lord for insight to navigate relationships (especially my marriage), wisdom to mentor and care for others, understanding to know myself and how to grow, and discernment to make good choices. Through scripture, a book, or a friend, his counsel has been exactly what I need.

Whenever it appears to us that everything is in a ruinous condition, let us recall to our remembrance that Christ is called Wonderful, because he has inconceivable methods of assisting us, and because his power is far beyond what we are able to conceive. When we need counsel, let us remember that he is the Counselor.

John Calvin ³

The Son—Jesus—is an inconceivable advisor!

How might you need his wondrous counsel?

PRAYER

Wonderful Counselor, when I face the next challenge, I will turn to you first.

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Note: While our English translations call the Holy Spirit a counselor, a better rendition would be “helper.” This is not what Isaiah means here.

All scripture is from the New International Version and emphasis added is mine.

¹ John Goldingay, Isaiah for Everyone (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2015), 40.

² Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, https://www.jesuswalk.com/isaiah/02_immanuel.htm

³ David Guzik, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/isaiah-9/